more numerous, because it is longer. The first and second sermons were singled out for nine and seven takbīrs so that the count would end on an odd number.
- The occasion is one of takbīr. Hence the prayer was supplemented with additional takbīrs that are not ordinarily prescribed. Since this day is a day of takbīr, it was legislated that the two sermons begin with takbīr. Thus, this ruling has both evidence and an underlying rationale.
Some scholars said that he should begin with praise, as in all other sermons and in accordance with the Prophet’s customary practice of beginning his sermons by praising and extolling Allah.
According to this view, he says, “Praise be to Allah abundantly, and Allah is supremely great,” thus combining takbīr with praise.
HE URGES THEM TO GIVE CHARITY AT THE FESTIVAL OF FAST-BREAKING, EXPLAINS WHAT THEY ARE TO GIVE, ENCOURAGES THEM TO OFFER THE SACRIFICE AT THE FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE, AND EXPLAINS ITS RULING.
His statement, “He urges them”: the subject is the preacher, while the object refers to the people; that is, he urges the people.
His statement, “to give charity,” means the charity of fast-breaking. The definite article here refers to the matter presently at hand, since this is the time for the charity of fast-breaking.
His statement, “and explains to them what they are to give,” means that he explains what they should give. He clarifies the type: that it is to be given from foodstuffs, such as wheat, dates, rice, corn for those whose staple food it is, barley for those whose staple food it is, and the like.
He also explains the amount: one sāʿ according to the Prophetic sāʿ, which is smaller than the sāʿ familiar to us by one-fifth and one-fifth of one-fifth. Our shaykh, Ibn Saʿdī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The Prophetic sāʿ weighs eighty French riyals, whereas the sāʿ used among us weighs one hundred and four riyals. Thus, the sāʿ used among us exceeds the Prophetic sāʿ by a quarter plus one-fifth of a quarter.”