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11 min read
Many Muslims today rush through Friday without realizing the immense blessings they’re missing.
Between busy schedules, work pressure, and distractions, the sacred call of Jummah often gets lost in the noise. Each week passes, and with it slips away the chance for forgiveness, unity, and renewal that this blessed day offers.
But understanding the true meaning, method, and rewards of Jummah can transform your Fridays into a source of peace and spiritual strength.
Let’s explore everything about Jummah prayer, its significance, steps, Sunnahs, and timeless benefits for every believer.
The word Jumuʿah (also written Jummah or Jumuah) comes from the Arabic root meaning “to gather.” Jummah is the fifth day of the week in the Islamic lunar month calendar. Salah is the second pillar of Islam, and in Islamic terminology, the Jummah prayer refers to the special congregational prayer held every Friday. This prayer replaces the regular Dhuhr (noon) prayer for those who attend the mosque.
In the Qur’an, Allah commands:
“O you who have believed, when the call is made for the prayer on the day of Jumuʿah, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you if you only knew.”
(Surah al-Jumuʿah, 62:9)
This verse highlights that when the call for Friday prayer is made, Muslims must leave their worldly affairs and attend the congregation. It emphasizes that spiritual gain far outweighs material pursuits.
Jumuʿah is therefore more than just a prayer; it is a weekly gathering of faith, unity, and reflection. Muslims come together to listen to the khutbah (sermon), seek forgiveness, and renew their bond with Allah and the community.
Here are the ways to prepare yourself for Jummah:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged believers to prepare for Friday Salah in both body and spirit. The following acts are Sunnah and highly recommended:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Any one of you attending the Friday prayer should take a bath.”
(Bukhari)
In another narration, he (ﷺ) said:
“Taking a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained puberty, along with cleaning his teeth and using perfume if available.”
Clip nails, comb hair, and wear neat, modest clothing. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to appear dignified on this blessed day.
Use a siwak or brush teeth before heading to the mosque.
Men should apply a non-alcoholic perfume. Women attending should avoid scents and wear modest attire.
Reading Surah al-Kahf on Friday is recommended, as it brings light between two Fridays.
The earlier one arrives, the greater the reward. Idle talk and worldly discussions should be avoided inside the mosque.
These etiquettes help a believer approach Friday prayer with mindfulness and respect, ready to engage with the sermon and prayer wholeheartedly.
The steps below explain the proper method of Jumuʿah prayer, from the first adhan to Sunnah rakʿahs.
The first adhan marks the beginning of the time for Jumuʿah. Between this adhan and the second, many people perform voluntary (nafl) or Sunnah prayers. Although there’s a difference of opinion, praying before the khutbah is considered recommended by most scholars.
The second adhan signals that the khutbah will begin shortly. This is the point where everyone must stop talking and listen attentively.
The khutbah is delivered in two parts:
After the khutbah, the imam leads two rak‘ahs of Jumuʿah prayer. These two replace the regular four-rakʿah Dhuhr prayer for those attending.
The intention should be:
“I intend to offer two rak‘ahs fard of Friday prayer for the sake of Allah.”
It is essential to follow the imam closely and maintain focus.
After completing the obligatory prayer, it is Sunnah to perform additional prayers as follows:
A common practice observed by many Muslims includes:
This totals 12 rakʿahs, though the Prophet (ﷺ) did not fix a specific number before the khutbah. What’s most important is fulfilling the fard and maintaining reverence during all acts of worship.
Preparation for Friday begins on Thursday evening. After Asr, one should engage in istighfar (seeking forgiveness), iron clothes, and prepare perfume to avoid last-minute distractions.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“On Friday, the angels stand at the entrance of the mosque and record the names of those who arrive. The one who comes first receives the reward of sacrificing a camel, then a cow, then a sheep, then a chicken, and then an egg. When the imam begins the khutbah, the angels close their register.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
Arriving early earns immense reward, and it was the practice of the pious predecessors to fill mosques before the adhan. Imam Ghazali (رحمه الله) once lamented that later generations became careless about this practice, urging Muslims to revive it as a sign of love for Allah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs ghusl on Friday, walks to the mosque early, sits near the imam, listens attentively, and avoids idle talk, for every step he takes, he will receive the reward of fasting and praying Qiyam for one year.”
(Tirmidhi)
This narration shows that every simple effort, walking, listening, and sitting attentively, translates into immense spiritual reward.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) practiced specific acts on Fridays that carry great virtue:
Sending abundant salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (ﷺ):
“Send abundant blessings upon me on Fridays because they are presented to me on that day.”
(Abu Dawud)
Friday holds a unique position in Islam; it is described as the best day on which the sun rises.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he entered Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it.”
(Muslim)
He (ﷺ) also said:
“Of all the days, Friday is the most virtuous. On this day, the trumpet will be blown. So bathe on this day, apply perfume, and use the miswak.”
(Ibn Majah)
Among the greatest blessings of Friday is the special hour when duʿas (supplications) are accepted.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“There is an hour on Friday during which any Muslim who asks Allah for something will definitely be granted it.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
Scholars differ on its exact time, but many suggest it occurs between Asr and Maghrib.
Here are the Jummah prayer benefits:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever takes a bath on Friday, comes early, listens attentively to the khutbah, and refrains from idle talk, his sins between that Friday and the previous one will be forgiven.”
(Muslim)
This shows Jumuʿah is a weekly opportunity for purification and renewal.
Every act of preparation, bathing, dressing well, and walking to the mosque raises a believer’s rank and purifies the heart.
The blessed hour on Friday offers a powerful opportunity to make dua for forgiveness, guidance, and relief from hardships.
Jumuʿah gathers Muslims from all backgrounds in one space, strengthening unity, equality, and empathy. It reflects the essence of Islam, that no believer is superior to another except in piety.
The khutbah is a weekly source of education and motivation, reminding Muslims of their duties toward Allah, their families, and society.
Leaving work and gathering punctually for Jumuʿah reflects discipline, humility, and devotion, values that define a practicing believer.
Although both Zuhr and Jummah are prayed around the same time, they differ greatly in purpose, structure, and reward. Understanding these differences helps believers perform each prayer correctly and appreciate the special status of Friday.
Aspect | Zuhr Prayer | Jumuʿah Prayer |
Number of Rakʿahs | 4 rakʿahs fard (obligatory) | 2 rakʿahs fard offered in congregation after the khutbah |
Congregation Requirement | Can be prayed individually or in a congregation | Must be offered in congregation; not valid individually |
Khutbah (Sermon) | No khutbah is required | A two-part khutbah is essential and replaces two rakʿahs of Zuhr |
Day and Time | Offered every day after the sun passes its zenith | Offered only on Fridays at the time of Zuhr |
Obligation | Obligatory for all Muslims daily | Obligatory only for adult Muslim men who are residents and able to attend the mosque |
In conclusion, Jumuʿah is not just a weekly obligation; it is a sacred gathering of remembrance, renewal, and unity. From the early morning preparations to the silent attention during the khutbah, every step carries divine reward.
When Muslims honor the etiquettes of Friday, bathing, arriving early, dressing well, and listening with sincerity, they revive the Sunnah and strengthen their connection to Allah. Friday is a weekly festival for the Ummah, a reminder of faith, a chance for forgiveness, and a moment of spiritual elevation.
Just as Muslims gather every Friday in unity and remembrance of Allah, Pakistan Sweet Home gathers orphaned children under one roof, giving them love, education, and hope for a brighter future. You can be part of this noble cause by contributing to an orphanage donation online, helping these children experience care and belonging.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Theology)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
