💍 Khitbah & engagement · #35
Is it sunnah to deliver a sermon when proposing?
Yes, in the Shafi'i school it is recommended to begin a proposal with a short sermon (praise of Allah and blessings on the Prophet).
Scholars mention the khutbah al-hajah taught by the Prophet ﷺ for important matters, which begins with "Innal-hamda lillah..." followed by the verses on taqwa (an-Nisa' 4:1, Ali 'Imran 3:102, al-Ahzab 33:70-71). It is recommended before the khitbah and before the marriage contract. The sermon need not be long; praise of Allah, blessings on the Prophet, a reminder of taqwa, and then stating the purpose is enough: "We have come to ask for your daughter's hand for our son." It is not a condition of a valid proposal. At Malay gatherings this is often done by a family representative or an imam.
Scholars mention the khutbah al-hajah taught by the Prophet ﷺ for important matters, which begins with "Innal-hamda lillah..." followed by the verses on taqwa (an-Nisa' 4:1, Ali 'Imran 3:102, al-Ahzab 33:70-71). It is recommended before the khitbah and before the marriage contract. The sermon need not be long; praise of Allah, blessings on the Prophet, a reminder of taqwa, and then stating the purpose is enough: "We have come to ask for your daughter's hand for our son." It is not a condition of a valid proposal. At Malay gatherings this is often done by a family representative or an imam.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:1Surah Ali 'Imran 3:102Surah al-Ahzab 33:70-71Narrated by Abu Dawud (sahih), khutbah al-hajah