What is "khutbah"

Khutbah \Khut"bah\, n. [Ar.] An address or public prayer read from the steps of the pulpit in Mohammedan mosques, offering glory to God, praising Mohammed and his descendants, and the ruling princes.

n. A talk or sermon delivered in mosque before the Friday prayer, or at other special occasions.

Khutbah ( Arabic: خطبة khuṭbah, ) serves as the primary formal occasion for public preaching in the Islamic tradition.

Such sermons occur regularly, as prescribed by the teachings of all legal schools. The Islamic tradition can be formally at the dhuhr (noon) congregation prayer on Friday. In addition, similar sermons are called for on the two festival days.