Third: Knowledgeable with the Arabic language, especially in composition to be able to talk to other people fluently in a way that enlightens their hearts and minds. He should also be alert to every thing and eloquent.
Fourth: Aware of people’s affairs, warning them against all kinds of Bid‘ah, misdemeanors and violations. (1)
Fifth: Righteous, pious, content and full of dignity. He should not be of those who commit misdemeanors publicly, nor of those who violate the Islamic rulings and should be of those who act in accordance with what he instructs others, so that people would look at him with eye of respect and his Khutbah may find access to people’s hearts and minds; and thus having deep influence. (2)
Abul Aswad Ad-Du’l? [a great Arab poet] said:
O! you who teaches others ? Yourself you should teach
To the sick you provide medicine ? To treat, yet you are the sick
Indeed, with guidance you heal our souls ? But this guidance you never reach
Yourself admonish first ? If admonished, you are the wit
Then, your words find access ? And benefits sprout from what you preach
Never warn against misdemeanor ? But yet you commit
Indeed, Shame on you ? And a great discredit
(1) One of the reverend scholars said: ‘The most eloquent of all Khutab [sing. Khutbah] are the ones which go in line with people’s affairs, time, and place. For instance, in Eid Al-Fitr, the Khat?b should preferably talk about Sadaqatul Fitr. He should talk about the importance of muslims’ unity if disunity prevails amongst them. And he should urge them to seek knowledge if he senses that they slacken in seeking it and instruct them how to raise their children properly if he noticed that they are not doing so ... etc. The Khat?b should pay much attention to people’s affairs, behaviour, traditions and ways of living. His Khutbah should be directed to rectifying their affairs that they may reverse to the right path.
(2) See: “Ad-D?inul Kh?lis” (vol. 4 / pp. 197, 209 and 212) and the introduction of “Khutab Mukht?rah” (pp. 15 and 22).