In Islam, Jumu’ah is important because it means Friday prayer, and Muslims gather in large numbers on Fridays in their own International Parliament. In every Muslim country, people gather in the Mosques on Friday in a fashion different from the five prayers they say in a week in honor of ‘Jumu’ah.
Even among these prayers, Friday prayer is believed to be the most auspicious day of the week; the psychological implication, therefore, cannot be overstated. This paper will explain the meaning of Friday prayer, its importance, and the process of this Prayer. Prayer is for all of us to partake in this holy time.
Culture and customs of Friday in Islamic–Arabic countries
Friday, Yawm al-Jumu’ah, is the most preferred day of the week in Islamic tradition. It is a day of Barakah, a Day of Mercy, to draw closer spiritually to their Lord. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the special status of this day:
Quranic Reference:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Translation:
It’s said: O you who have believed, when the call is made for prayer on the day of Jumuah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. Still better for you if you only knew!
(Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9)
This verse asserts that it must be given, which means setting aside worldly business to remember Allah during the Jumu’ah prayer.
The SpirPrayerSignificance of Prayerah Prayer
It is not just like any other prayer; it is the day when Muslims are reminded of their brotherhood and sisterhood and that we should pray together. Performing the Friday Prayer is a way of ‘staying in touch’ with Allah (SWT) and the people. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the significance of attending Jumu’ah prayer:
Hadith:
مَنْ تَرَكَ ثَلَاثَ جُمَعٍ تَهَاوُنًا بِهَا طَبَعَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِهِ
Translation:
“So whoever has missed three consecutive Friday prayers due to carelessness, then Allaah has placed a seal over his heart.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1125)
This hadith highlights the importance of not missing the Jumu’ah prayer, as it appears to be one of the critical responsibilities of male Muslims to strengthen their faith and deepen their bond with the Muslim community.
How to Perform Jumu’ah Prayer: Step-by-Step Guide
Friday Prayer consists of the khutbah, a talk or speech, followed by two cycles of Prayer. Here’s what is Prayerformed:
1. Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
Regarding Jumu’ah, it is better to bathe or perform a ghusl before going out. According to the account, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wanted the people to pay attention to purification inside and outside for the Prayer on this day.
Hadith:
غُسْلُ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ وَاجِبٌ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ مُحْتَلِمٍ
Translation:
Ghusl on Friday is obligatory for every able bodied person.
(Sahih Bukhari 879)
2. Wear PrayerClothes and AppPrayerfume
Ladies and gentlemen are supposed to wear clean and presentable clothes for Jumu’ah and, if they can, put on perfume. This is to show respect for the occasion and the time we have spent together as a congregation in worship.
3. Arrive at the Mosque Early
People who attend Jumu’ah prayer earlier that day can spend much of their time in extra devout activities, such as reciting the Quran and making invocations. It also allows them to hear the entire khutbah, which is a part of the Friday prayer.
4. These are as follows: Listen to the Khutbah (Sermon)
Friday Prayer is considered incomplete without the performance of the khutbah. Every week, the Imam delivers a khutbah that contains advice, guidance, or reminders in accordance with Islamic teachings. The khutbah is delivered in two parts:
- First Part: The Imam reads articles about religious and ethical issues and encourages worshippers to do what is right.
- Second Part: The Imam prays for the congregation and with the rest of the Muslims by performing a dua (supplication).
Listening to the khutbah is also mandatory, necessary, and desirable because knowledge is imparted during this time. Interacting during the khutbah is prohibited because it breaks the holiness of the congregation.
5. Perform the Jumu’ah Prayer
The Jumu’ah Prayer, performed with the Imam, consists of two rak’ahs carried after the khutbah. It is similar to other prayers performed in the congregation, but differs in its unique character, the Friday prayer.
6. Make Dua After the Prayer
It is advised that after ‘namaz,’ the people of KSA should offer their specific duas. Jumu’ah is considered one of the times when prayers are answered, so worshippers should offer forgiveness, blessings, and guidance.
The Benefits of Going for Jumu’ah
Learning is an act of barakah; in this, people can benefit because all the misdeeds done from one Friday to the next are forgiven. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Hadith:
مَنْ اغْتَسَلَ ثُمَّ أَتَى الْجُمُعَةَ فَصَلَّىٰ مَا قُدِّرَ لَهُ ثُمَّ أَنْصَتَ حَتَّىٰ يَفْرُغَ مِنْ خُطْبَتِهِ ثُمَّ يُصَلِّيَ مَعَهُ غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ الْجُمُعَةِ الْأُخْرَىٰ وَفَضْلُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ
Translation:
“Whoever bathes in water on Friday, without having eaten food, goes to the mosque and prays his prompted prayer, will sit down without speaking until the Imam ends the khutbah, and the give responsive akeley prayers with him, shall have sins between that Friday and the next Friday forgiven to him plus three days.”
(Sahih Muslim 857)
This hadith also brings out the compassion of Allah (SWT) and the chance for Muslims to wash their sins and reform their faith every Friday.
Who Must Attend Jumu’ah?
Praying Jumu’ah is compulsory for Muslim men who are mature enough to distinguish between right and wrong. Boys are not required to attend; however, they are welcome to participate in the meetings if desired, and girls are expected to attend. Jumu’ah is held in place of a regular Dhuhr prayer, which means that people who go to Jumu’ah don’t pray after this.
However, anyone experiencing this includes those who are traveling sick or have other reasons for not attending the prayers. However, for capable individuals, it is a form of worship and a means to draw closer to Allah (SWT).
To want the brotherhood and unity.
In addition to the personal benefits of Jumu’ah, the Friday Prayer unites Muslims as brothers and sisters. It makes the point that, irrespective of color, gene, or social class, all Muslims are of equal standing in the eyes of Allah (SWT) and are equally required to stand for and shoulder responsibilities for each other.
Physical closeness during the Prayer. Prayer, especially side by side, illustrates the Ummah’s oneness and fosters compassion, support, and fellowship within the congregation.
Conclusion
Salah, or Prayers, have always been an integral part of the Islamic faith. The Friday prayer, specifically Jumu’ah, is Both Spiritual and Social. With Jumu’ah prayers, not only will Muslims be able to move in sync with Isla, but they will also observe a significant religious responsibility, and more importantly, take time off from worldly tasks to reconnect with Allah (SWT) and fellow Muslims. This is a substantial bonus for those who remember Allah on this blessed day; they will receive great rewards in both this world and the Hereafter.
Here at Kanzolquran, we advise every Muslim to attend Friday Prayers and get the most excellent significance. Update your knowledge of Islamic teachings from Kanzol Quran and enhance your understanding of worship and faith.
