What are the authentic narrations and established additions to Khutbat al-Hajah (the sermon of need), and is it to be recited therein, "Amma ba'd, fa inna asdaq al-hadith kitāb Allāh" (Thereafter, verily the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah), or "Allahumma Rabba Jibrīla wa Mīkā'īla wa Isrāfīl" (O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Israfel)? What is the proof for the order between it and the verses? Is it permissible to add to these verses? And what are the narrations that can be sufficed with?

The Khutbat al-Hajah (Sermon of Need) is the sermon that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to deliver before his speech, and he taught his companions to say it before their needs, such as marriage.

The Khutbat al-Hajah comes with various wordings, but all of them begin with praising Allah and bearing witness (to faith). One common wording is: "All praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls and the evil of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can lead astray, and whomever He leads astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger."

After this, the three verses (from the Quran) are recited. It is permissible to add to the sermon what has been reported, such as saying: "Indeed, the best speech is the Book of Allah... etc."

Some scholars have permitted marriage without a sermon, while the Zahiris considered it obligatory. What is reported in the Sunnah is the presentation of the Khutbat al-Hajah before the marriage contract.