Some Points for Juma’ah Khutbah

(Please feel free to modify this to your congregation’s need)

Sura 42.38 says that, “Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance” [are praised]

Some scholars take this verse to mean that governance should be conducted with council. While others understand this verse as support for an election-type process.

With these different interpretations, come different prescriptions. On one hand, some scholars note the especially difficult job of state counselors. On the other hand, some scholars pace that it is our obligation to engage in this country’s electoral process.

No matter your belief regarding the necessity of participation, it is clear that the policies of our elected official affect our community locally and globally. Let us counsel our elected officials. Let us enjoin them to justice and hold them accountable for those times when they are untrustworthy.

In our system, we may draw an analogy. We can vote out of office those people who selfishly serve their own ends or ideologies. We can support and encourage the wise, able, selfless and just amongst us to run for election.

To accomplish these goals, we must first register to vote. There are many ways to get information about registering. One of the easiest is through www.voteforchange.com. You must hurry because registration usually ends October 6. Once registered, you can vote in the general election on November 4.

Let us not forget the other aspects of this verse. We must establish regular prayer, and we must spend our money judiciously. These two points are especially important in these terminal days of Ramadan/beginning days of Shawwal.