بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
What is the command on the usage of the Asaa (stick) by a Khateeb in the Jumuah and Eidain Khutbah?
With regards to its usage in the Khutbah, the Maliki, Shaf’ee and Hambali schools of Fiqh state that it is Sunnah.
(Al-Fiqhu alal Mazaahibil Arb’aa, Vol. 1, pg. 319-20, Published by Daarut Taqwa, Cairo)
The Hanafi School of Fiqh have two opinions – some scholars opine that it is Sunnah whilst others state it is Makrooh (disliked).
A Hadith found in Sunan Abu Dawood states that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was witnessed delivering the Jumuah Khutbah whilst being supported on a walking-stick or bow.
(Vol.1, pg. 164, Published by Maktabah Rahmaaniyah, Lahore)
Allamah Ibn Abideen Shaami (Allah be pleased with him) has narrated both opinions of Sunnah and Makrooh in his annotation on Durre Mukhtaar.
(Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 2, pg. 163, Published by H.M. Saeed Company, Karachi)
Aala Hazrat Imaam Ahmed Raza Khan Barailwi (Allah be pleased with him) states,
“Some Ulama have written that to take the Asaa in hand during the Khutbah is Sunnah whilst other Ulama have stated that it is Makrooh and it is evident that even if it is Sunnah, it is not Sunnah-e-Muakkadah. Hence in light of the differing points of view in this matter, it is better to abstain from it except if there is an excuse (i.e. Fitnah against its non-usage) because when there is doubt about an action being Sunnah or Makrooh, it is better to abstain from it.”
(Fataawa Razvia, Vol. 8, pg. 303, Published by Raza Foundation, Lahore)
Sadrush Shariah Allamah Amjad Ali (Allah be pleased with him) states,
“There are different opinions of the Fuqahaa (jurists) concerning the usage of the Asaa etc. at the time of delivering a Khutbah. One opinion is that it is Makrooh while other states that the Khutbah should be made holding a sword in a city conquered by the sword i.e. via a battle, and if a city was gained via a treaty or by peaceful handover, then it (the sword) should not be used there.” (
Fataawa Amjadia, Vol. 1, pg. 287, Published by Maktabah Razvia, Karachi)
Ulama who use the Asaa in the Khutbah and those who don’t are both justified in their practice, this is very important to understand. Therefore, either using or not using the Asaa must not be made an issue of Fitna.
Allah and His Rasool know best.
Darul Iftaa
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