An example of the declarative form that conveys the meaning of a supplication is: “May Allah send blessings upon Muhammad.”

“And reciting a verse, and exhorting people to fear Allah, the Exalted, …”

His statement: “And reciting a verse.”

This is the third condition for the validity of the sermon: that one recite one verse or more from the Book of Allah. If he does not recite a verse, the sermon is invalid. However, the verse must convey an independent meaning; if it does not, it is insufficient. Thus, if he recites, “Then he looked,” it does not convey an independent meaning: who was it that looked? This is unknown.

Likewise, if he recites, “Two dark-green [gardens],” it is insufficient. What does “two dark-green” mean? That is, two blackish-green ones. Although it conveys a meaning, what are the two things described by this attribute?

But if he recites, “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone],” it is valid, because it is complete, intelligible, and clear speech. The evidence cited for stipulating the recitation of a verse is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would recite on Fridays, “Qaf. By the Glorious Quran,” (1) and deliver his sermon through it. Yet this is not evidence, because an act in itself does not indicate that something is obligatory.

For this reason, some scholars held that reciting any portion of the Quran is not a condition for the validity of the sermon, so long as it contains effective admonition that reforms hearts and explains the legal rulings. This is the second narration from Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him.

His statement: “And exhorting people to fear Allah, the Exalted.”