The word "Khotbah" is spelled with a unique combination of consonants and vowels. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription, it is pronounced /ˈkʰot.ba/. The "kh" represents a voiceless velar fricative, which is a breathy "k" sound produced at the back of the throat. The "o" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, while the "t" and "b" are pronounced with their usual sounds. The final "h" is silent, and the stress falls on the first syllable. This spelling reflects the word's Arabic origin.
Khotbah, borrowed from the Arabic word "khutbah," is a noun that refers to a sermon or a religious discourse delivered by an Islamic preacher during Friday prayers (Jumu'ah) or on other occasions. The term is primarily used in the context of Islamic worship, but it also has more general implications in the Arabic-speaking world.
In the Islamic context, the khotbah typically takes place in a mosque before a congregation of Muslims, aiming to deliver guidance, convey religious teachings, and provide spiritual upliftment. During this sermon, the preacher, known as the khatib, expounds on the teachings of the Quran, offers exhortations on moral, ethical, and social issues, and provides religious interpretations and guidance based on Islamic theology and jurisprudence. The khotbah usually consists of two parts, with a short interruption for prayer in between. The first part typically includes praise for God and the Prophet Muhammad, and may also touch upon current events or matters relevant to the community. The second part often involves the recitation of a verse from the Quran, followed by a detailed interpretation and application to everyday life.
Outside of the religious context, "khotbah" can also be understood as a general speech or sermon delivered on various topics by a Muslim orator, or even by non-Muslim individuals, within the Arabic-speaking community. However, it is important to note that the primary usage of "khotbah" revolves around its connection to Islamic worship and religious discourse.
The word "Khotbah" is derived from the Arabic term "khutbah" (pronounced "hutbah"), which means a sermon or an address delivered by a religious leader. The term "khutbah" comes from the root word "khatib" (pronounced "khatib"), which means the person who delivers the sermon. In Islamic tradition, the khutbah is a common feature of the Friday congregational prayer, where the religious leader addresses the congregation about various religious and social matters. The word "khotbah" is used in various languages influenced by Arabic, including Indonesian and Malay, to refer to a religious sermon or speech.