Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) in Islam

The Friday Prayer (Salat al-Jumu’ah) is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam. It is an obligatory congregational prayer for Muslim men, held every Friday in place of the Dhuhr prayer.

1. Importance of Jumu’ah in Islam

Allah commands Muslims to attend Jumu’ah in the Quran:

“O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is made for Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
— (Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized its importance:

“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it, Adam was created, on it, he was admitted to Paradise, and on it, he was expelled from it.” (Sahih Muslim 854)

2. Conditions for Jumu’ah Prayer

• Obligatory for:
  • Adult Muslim men
  • Free from travel (resident in a town/city)
• Not obligatory for:
  • Women, children, the sick, and travelers (but they can attend)

3. How to Perform Jumu’ah Prayer

Jumu’ah consists of two parts:

A) The Khutbah (Sermon)

• Delivered by the Imam before the prayer.
• Consists of two parts with a short pause in between.
• Begins with praise of Allah (Hamd) and sending salutations on the Prophet ﷺ.
• Includes reminders about Taqwa (piety) and Islamic teachings.

B) The Two Rak’ah Prayer

• After the Khutbah, the Imam leads the congregation in two Rak‘ahs of Jumu’ah prayer.
• Performed like the Fajr prayer but without an audible Qunoot.

4. Sunnah Acts on Friday

1. Taking a bath (Ghusl) – The Prophet ﷺ said,
   “Performing Ghusl on Friday is recommended for every adult Muslim.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 877)
2. Wearing clean and best clothes – Preferably white.
3. Applying perfume (for men).
4. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf – Brings blessings and protection.
5. Making Du’a – There is a special hour on Friday when duas are accepted.
6. Going early to the mosque.
7. Listening to the Khutbah attentively – Talking during it is prohibited.

5. Virtues of Jumu’ah

• Forgiveness of sins – The Prophet ﷺ said,
  “The five daily prayers and from one Jumu’ah to the next are expiation for what is between them, so long as major sins are avoided.” (Sahih Muslim 233)
• Angels record attendance – Those who come early get more reward.
• A means of purification and closeness to Allah.