خَطَبَ
ḵaṭaba
To preach in Arabic can be expressed as خَطَبَ (ḵaṭaba) or وَعَظَ.
Meaning: give a sermon (verb)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| خَطَبَ | ḵaṭaba |
| وَعَظَ | waʕaẓa |
The language distinguishes between the act of formal public speaking and the act of providing moral guidance. For the broader concept of delivering a religious message or a formal call, the term الدعوة (Ad-Da'wa) is used. When the focus is specifically on the act of proclaiming or spreading a religious belief, the term التبليغ (At-Tabeeligh) is used.
Which one should you use?
خَطَبَ is used when referring to the formal act of delivering a sermon or a public speech, such as a Friday sermon. In contrast, وَعَظَ is used when the focus is on giving moral exhortation, spiritual advice or religious guidance.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to refer to the person who delivers a formal sermon, you use the noun form خَطِيب.
How do you pronounce it?
ḵaṭaba
Did you know?
- The root of خَطَبَ is also used in the word for 'engagement' or 'betrothal', as a formal proposal is considered a type of public speech or formal address.
- The term الدَّعْوَة (Ad-Da'wa) translates literally to 'the invitation', yet it is the standard term used for 'proselytizing' or 'preaching' a faith.
- During the Friday sermon, the خَطِيب often delivers two separate speeches, known as خُطْبَتَان, with a short sitting break in between them.
Examples in context
- أحب أن أشارك في الوعظ في المسجدI would like to participate in preaching at the mosque
- خَطَبَ الإِمَامُ فِي المَسْجِدِ.khaṭaba al-imāmu fī al-masjid.The imam preached in the mosque.
- خَطَبَ العَالِمُ عَنِ الصَّبْرِ.khaṭaba al-ʿālimu ʿani aṣ-ṣabr.The scholar preached about patience.
Example conversation
Omar and Sara are discussing the Friday prayer.
- عمر Omarهل سمعتِ من خَطَبَ اليوم؟Hal sami'ti man khataba al-yawm?Did you hear who preached today?
- سارة Saraنعم، لقد خَطَبَ إمام جديد.Na'am, laqad khataba imaman jadid.Yes, a new Imam preached.
- عمر Omarكيف كان أسلوبه في الكلام؟Kayfa kana uslubuhu fi al-kalam?How was his speaking style?
- سارة Saraكان كلامه مؤثراً جداً.Kana kalamuhu mu'athiran jiddan.His words were very moving.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “preach” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
