What are the pillars of the sermon (khutbah) in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools of thought, and what are the evidences for each?

The second pillar of the sermon (khutbah) is invoking blessings upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The third pillar is exhorting to the fear of Allah (taqwa), and the correct view is that no specific wording is required for this exhortation. As for the fourth pillar, it is reciting an understandable verse from the Quran. The fifth pillar is supplicating for the believers, and the correct view regarding it is that it is recommended, not obligatory. Hanbali jurists added the conditions of delivering the sermon audibly and immediately preceding the prayer. Some scholars maintain the obligation of reciting the two testimonies of faith (Shahadatayn) in the sermon, emphasizing that the purpose of the sermon is to praise Allah, bear witness to His Oneness and the prophethood of His Prophet, remind people of the days of Allah, warn them of His might, and exhort them to what brings them closer to Him and to abstain from what distances them from Him. The sermons of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, were affirmations of the fundamentals of faith, an invitation to Allah, and a reminder of His favors.