Abdul-Ganiyy Raji, the National Da’wah Officer at Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih (NASFAT), has called on Imams to make their Friday sermons brief yet impactful.
Addressing Imams on Friday, Raji emphasised that the length of a sermon does not determine its effectiveness, drawing inspiration from the succinct sermons of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Raji highlighted that the brevity of sermons allows congregations to better absorb, remember, and apply the teachings.
He noted that a sermon should focus on a single, clear topic and deliver its message concisely.
“A prolonged sermon is futile if the audience cannot extract a meaningful lesson,” he said.
He advised against using the sermon platform for lengthy stories, jokes, or irrelevant discussions. Instead, he urged Imams to prepare thoroughly, condensing their studies into a powerful message lasting just a few minutes.
“The Mimbar gives you an opportunity to educate, enlighten, guide, and transform your audience. It is for an Imam who can give a short sermon and yet make the most telling impact,” Raji stated.
Raji stressed the importance of engaging and inspiring sermons that address the spiritual and moral duties of the congregation. He pointed out that with decreasing attention spans, it is crucial for sermons to be concise and captivating.
“It even takes an insensitive Imam to prolong a sermon at a time such as this when people’s attention spans are becoming shorter by the day,” he added.
Citing the words of the companion Jābir bn Samurah (RA), Raji concluded, “The Prophet of Allah (SAW) was not used to giving long Friday sermons. His sermons were delivered in few words.”
