Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The word khutba (pl. khutub) means public address, speech, lecture, discourse, oration or sermon. In past, the khatib (preacher) traditionally invoked the name of the recognized caliph after the Friday prayer at a congregational mosque (jam'ah masjid), and during pilgrimage and at the time of special festivities.

"He was born in Cairo on 16th Jamada II, 420/July 2, 1029, who eight months afterwards was declared to succeed his father. His name was Ma'd Abu Tamim, surnamed al-Mustansir billah (Imploring the help of God). He ascended on 15th Shaban, 427/June 13, 1036 at the age of 7 years. During the early years, the state affairs were administered by his mother. His period of Caliphate lasted for 60 years, the longest of all the caliphs, either in Egypt or elsewhere in Islamic states.