Editing Khutbah (section)

==Origins and definition==
Religious narration (including sermons) may be pronounced in a variety of settings and at various times. The ''khutbah'', however, refers to ''khutbah al-jum'a'', usually meaning the address delivered in the mosque at weekly (usually Friday) and annual rituals. Other religious oratory and occasions of preaching are described as ''dars'' (a lesson) or ''waz'' (an admonition), and their formats differ accordingly.<ref name = EIMW>"Khutba", ''Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World''</ref>

The ''khutbah'' originates from the practice of the [[Prophets of Islam|Islamic prophet]], [[Muhammad]], who used to deliver words of exhortation, instruction, or command at gatherings for worship in the [[Mosque of the Prophet|mosque]], which consisted of the courtyard of his house in [[Medina]].

After the [[conquest of Mecca]], Muhammad presented himself as a [[khatib]] to the city in AD 630. The [[Rashidun|first four caliphs]], and the [[Ummayad]]s caliphs and provincial governors all delivered sermons. There were not necessarily exhortatory, but addressed practical questions of government and sometimes even included direct orders. Under the Abbasids, the caliph himself no longer preached but assigned the task to the [[Qadi|religious judges]]. The Abbasids insisted they were clearing Islam of the secularism of the Umayyads, and this probably helped in strengthening the religious aspect of the sermon.<ref>"Khutba", ''Students' Britannica India'', p.236</ref>