Explanation of the Prophet’s Opening Sermon

(Khutbatu al-Haajah)

Our Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him (PBUH), always opened his public speeches with khutbatu al-haajah (the sermon of necessity). He (PBUH) also advised his companions to do the same, and this tradition has carried on until today where many Muslims open their speeches and writings with khutbatu al-haadjah. It is called the sermon of necessity because one may ask something from Allaah, subhaanahu wa t’aala, after reciting it such as is the case during a wedding ceremony.