Ever since I've moved to Cleveland, I haven't heard too many khutbahs that I enjoyed, learned from or that left me inspired. Today wasn't honestly any different. I mean the khutbah wasn't bad but it didn't inspire me either. As I was listening to the khatib I had the "ah ha" moment of why very few of the khutbahs I've heard here were memorable and inspirational. It's because most don't speak to social issues and just about none of them had a "black religion" element to them.
Back in 2005 when I started to get serious about the deen again, I went to various masajid in Philly but most of the time I went to United Muslim Masjid since that was closest to my job. Luqman Ahmed was the imam there at the time. One of the things that I loved about the khutbahs was that they often focused on various issues affecting African American Muslims. But the khutbahs weren't just tirades telling black people to do better. He really examined the issues from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. That was awesome because finally, I could once again see how Islam was a religion of social justice not just for Salaf but for black Muslims living in the 21st century as well. Just about every Friday after I left, I felt we were left with a challenge to do better. When I wasn't attending UMM, I was usually at Masjidullah and the feeling was still the same. There was definitely a heavy focus on Islam as a means of social justice and empowerment. Plus, at both places, I felt like I was around family and not only because most of the people there were African American. I felt a calm and serenity at those masajid.
When I went to jumaah on Friday. I went more out of "duty" than an actual desire. It's Friday and it's jumaah. So, I should go to Jumaah, right? Listening to the khutbah, I felt so blah. It wasn't bad but it was just so ordinary. Why can't we be challenged to do better? Why don't any of the khutbahs seem to apply outside the masjid on a Friday afternoon? Sometimes, I feel like I'm asking for too much.
When I went to jumaah on Friday. I went more out of "duty" than an actual desire. It's Friday and it's jumaah. So, I should go to Jumaah, right? Listening to the khutbah, I felt so blah. It wasn't bad but it was just so ordinary. Why can't we be challenged to do better? Why don't any of the khutbahs seem to apply outside the masjid on a Friday afternoon? Sometimes, I feel like I'm asking for too much.
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Salam!
I've always felt that khutbas must be relevant to the audience at hand in the time in which they live.
People who study Islam, both secular scholars and Muslims too often try to put us in a 7th century context when we are no longer living in the seventh century. Islam supposedly came to all people for all time, why be so rigid and confine things to anachronisms which no longer matter?
As Salaamu Alaikum Sister:
I hear what you are saying.
I would just like to comment that khutbahs shouldn't be classist, racist, nationalist, etc. They should relate to the "Muslim".
But I DO feel that they should be relevant to at least the year 2008. Like the Chemist said, it shouldn't have a 7thc context.
Khuthabs on the character of a Muslim, rights of marriage, parenting, or just the basics like salaat, imaan, etc., are all relevant to all Muslims.
I have a friend who went to a predominantly Somali masjid in Columbus one Friday. The khuthab was in the Somali regional language and in Arabic. Of course, my friend, a Muslim, was at a total loss. When she complained to the imam, he referred her to another masjid where she might be "more comfortable".
For example, I love Imam Siraj's khutbhas. All Muslims can relate, no matter their backgrounds.
I'm sorry, I was going to leave another comment, then I saw the moderation. Duh/sorry !
Sadly, I too find khutbahs to be very lacking. Constant discussion about state of masjid finances, drugs/alcohol. Occasional blasting of Iraq war, state of Palestine.
But not much to inspire, increase iman. And I masjid-hop and still have not found one place yet.
wa alaikum salam sis, I totally agree Imam Luqman has an affect on people when he gives a khutba.
Im not sure how I found your blog, but I love reading your post.
Funny thing is Imam Luqman is back in Sacramento,CA and working at Majid Ibrahim , the masjid I attend.
Most times the Khutbas are good, inshallah we will do a live broadcast via internet.
But sometimes when he travels we have guest Katib's (LOL)
As Salaam alaikum
You can still listen to some of Imam Luqman Khutbas at: http://www.esnips.com/web/imamluqmanahmad
Asalamu Alaikum Sister
I feel that the khutbahs at our masjid get recycled a lot. I hear the same topic a few months apart.
My husband and I were talking about how great it would be if he did cover some of the basic things about Salat.. etiquette in the masjid and parenting (I think someone said that already).
A few months ago there were a group of 5 non muslim college students and their teacher (all women). The Imam did a khutbah about women in Islam, that was very good, but at the end he talked directly to them, which was a bit odd, and offered to help them with any course they have troubles with...
Anyway, I'm rambling on now. I can say I enjoy the khutbahs much better when we have a guest in to give it. One of my best friends son is studying in KSA and when he comes back to visit he gives some of the best lectures.