A general view exists that the ruler or the government has to face serious consequences when two sermons take place on single day; referring to the sermon for Eid prayer and the regular Friday prayer.
Some Islamic sources claim that Musim rulers tried to avoid two sermons on a single day to avoid risking their rulership and any challenges for the government.
Two Sermons on Friday may not have an apparent issue. However, there have been concerns with regards to its impact on any government. Historically, a number of Islamic rulers would try to avoid 2 sermons by adjusting the Eid day while adding another fast or removing one. The adjustment was made to ensure that 2 sermons do not come on a single day. The idea stemmed from the concept that delivering of 2 sermons can create troubles for the ruler. Well, the concept functions on assumptions. However, it has a strong religious basis.
The alertness follows the sermon as a divine message. The sermons are a responsibility where Imams would share the concepts, views or affiliations during the sermon. As sermon serves as a religious guidance, the listeners and followers would hear it carefully with full devotion. Resultantly, the Imam or sermon-giver could seriously influence the masses in terms of supporting or opposing a government, a ruler or their policies. It was a high alert for the rulers of those times as the sermons could end up in toppling of their governments.
Here was the actual trouble. In ancient times when there wasn’t any electricity, no internet and inefficient intelligence structures; the sermons were used to influence Muslims to follow a certain political path or ideology. It would result in unseen changes in the hierarchy of the government. Thus, the Two Sermons on Friday remained a huge risk in the old times.
Two Sermons on Friday Theory
While Friday Sermons are a regular activity for Muslims across the world. The belief around Friday sermon stems from the concept of Friday as a blessed day. Historically, the day was observed with specific activities to ensure Friday’s sanctity. The masses would take ghusl (Islamic way of taking shower where ablution is also performed), apply perfumes and walk to the mosque as if someone is to celebrate the Eid. The Imam gives sermon to the attendees who listen to the mosque leader for his views on socio-political issues, religious guidance and combined prayers.
For Friday prayer, the number of rakats or structure of prayer from the regular prayer is changed. It brings the sermon and the short prayer for Muslims.
Similarly, the Eid prayer is also made with an extra emphasis on its structure. The most important element is the Sermon of Eid prayer; similar to Friday prayer. The major similarity is the sermon when the Imam has to make it prior to the prayer. For Eid prayer, the Imam reads the sermon after performing the prayer. Thus, considering seron as something holding sanctity, it is heard and followed with clear devotion. Usually, the Friday offers a single sermon for the midday prayer. Yet, if the Eid day arrives on a Friday, it will automatically create 2 sermons for the day.
First sermon is performed early morning somewhere after the Fajr prayer. It is followed by the festivities and celebratory meetings. During the daytime, the second sermon takes place in the midday prayer.
Why Are Two Sermons on Friday Considered a Threat?
In the subcontinent, there is a belief system that the occurrence of 2 sermons on a single day is threat to the ruler. The idea goes as it may change the government, oust the ruler or result in the assassination of the ruler. The belief system has existed for years with regular concern whenever there are two sermons on a Friday.
For instance, one can find some coincidences in the historical records. The Eid ul Adha in 2017 was on Friday. In the same year, we saw significant changes in the House of Saud. Prince Mohammad Bin Salman was made the Crown Prince and the entire structure of the government was changed. It was happening in Saudi Arabia what was unthinkable a few weeks ago. The entire chain of command, the structure of monarchy and the administration was overhauled and adjusted to the new rules.
How was it connected to the 2 sermons on Friday in 2017 is still unknown. However, we saw a huge change in Saudi Arabia in the very same year that we saw two sermons taking place.
Are Gulf Kingdoms Under Threat?
If we observe trend for past 50 years. There have been several instances with 2 sermons on Friday. Usually, there weren’t big changes taking place. However, there were significant changes whenever there were two sermons on a Friday.
At present, the entire gulf region is dealing with a war with Iran. The overall situation is troublesome where the continued war and turmoil could result in serious challenges for the Arab rulers. These monarchies function under sophisticated structures. However, the law of the nature always supersedes the man-made plans. Thus, the current threat level for the Gulf Kingdom is definitely escalated owing to the two sermons we say on this Friday.
