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Friday is hailed as the holiest day of the week in Islam; it is a day of gathering, reflection, and communal worship, as it marks the day of Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) Prayer.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps and significance of Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) prayer, providing clear and easy-to-follow instructions for both beginners and those looking to enhance their understanding.
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Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) prayer is a congregational prayer performed by Muslims on every Friday, taking the place of Dhuhr prayer and followed by a sermon (khutbah) from the imam.
Attending Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) prayer is obligatory for Muslim men (except for those who are travelling), and its importance is emphasised in Islamic teachings. In the Quran, Allah says:
"O you who believe! When the call for Friday prayer is made, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business. That is better for you if you only knew."
(Surah Al-Jum’ah, verse 9)
This verse highlights the importance of attending the Friday prayer and listening to the sermon attentively.
Start by performing ablution (wudu), a ritual purification that involves washing specific parts of the body. If you're unsure about how to perform wudu, you can refer to our step-by-step guide on wudu here.
Choose clean and modest attire for Jum’ah prayer, showing respect for the congregation and the sanctity of the occasion. Men are encouraged to wear their best clothes, reflecting a sense of reverence and readiness for the prayer.
When selecting attire for Jum’ah prayer, it's important for men to adhere to the concept of awrah in Islam, which refers to the parts of the body that should be covered. For men, awrah comprises the area between the navel and the knees.
Ensure that your clothing adequately covers this area and avoid tight-fitting clothes that reveal the shape of the body and do not provide modest coverage, as well as clothes with prominent faces or symbols or any offensive or inappropriate slogans or graphics.
Arriving at the mosque well before the adhan (call to prayer) allows time for personal preparation and reflection. It also demonstrates eagerness and commitment to participate in the congregational prayer.
Consider reciting Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18 of the Quran) before attending Jum’ah prayer. This surah holds special significance on Fridays and brings spiritual blessings and insights. The practice of reciting Surah Al-Kahf is encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as narrated in the following Hadith:
"Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the night of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Ka’bah)."
( Al-Daarimi, 3407)
Stay attentive during the sermon (khutbah) that follows the congregational Jum’ah prayer. The khutbah provides valuable guidance and reminders for personal growth and spiritual reflection.
During Jummah (Friday) prayer, there are two Adhans (calls to prayer): one when the sun starts to go down, which gathers everyone, and another just before the Imam starts the sermon, signalling the beginning of the sermon and the upcoming prayer.
The sermon in Jummah prayer, called the Khutbah, is important but not required for the prayer itself. It's usually split into two parts. In the first part, the Imam talks about our duties to Allah and others and may discuss important community topics. The second part follows a specific format and often includes supplications, praises of Allah, and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to perform Jummah/Jum’ah prayer:
1. Make Your Intention: Begin by making a sincere intention in your heart to perform the Jum’ah prayer, seeking closeness to Allah and fulfilling this important obligation.
2. Purity (Taharah): Ensure you are in a state of ritual purity (wudu) before starting the prayer.
3. Arrival at the Mosque: Arrive at the mosque early to participate in the congregational prayer. Take the time to listen attentively to the sermon (khutbah) delivered by the imam before the prayer.
4. Start with Two Rakats: Begin with two rakats as a greeting to the mosque. After saying "Allahu Akbar" silently, recite Surah Al-Fatiha and a portion of the Quran in each rakat.
5. Listen to the Khutbah: After the initial two rakats, listen attentively to the khutbah (sermon) delivered by the imam. This is an integral part of the Jum'ah gathering and serves as a reminder and guidance for the congregation.
6. Join the Main Jum'ah Prayer: Following the khutbah, join the congregation in the main Jum'ah prayer led by the imam. Follow the imam's actions, including bowing (ruku), prostration (sujood), and standing.
7. Tashahhud and Dua: After completing the prayer, you can recite the tashahhud (declaration of faith) and send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Then, make personal supplications (dua) for yourself, your loved ones, and the Muslim community.
While attending Jummah prayer at the mosque is not obligatory for women, it is permissible and highly rewarding if they wish to attend. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the mosque of Allah."
(Sahih Muslim, 442)
Women who attend Jummah prayer should:
a. Dress modestly according to Islamic guidelines.
b. Maintain a respectful and quiet presence during the khutbah.
c. Pray in the designated women’s section, ensuring separation from the men’s area.
If a woman chooses not to attend the mosque, she should perform Dhuhr prayer at home instead, consisting of four rakats, as Jummah prayer replaces Dhuhr only for men attending the mosque.
If you are unable to attend the mosque due to illness, travel, work, or any valid reason, you can still observe your prayer at home. However, it’s important to note that Jummah prayer cannot be performed individually at home. The correct practice is to perform the regular Dhuhr prayer (four rakats) instead.
Here’s what you should do:
a. Perform wudu and dress modestly.
b. Make your intention for Dhuhr prayer.
c. Pray four rakats as usual.
You may still listen to an online khutbah or read Qur’an and make dua to benefit from the blessings of Friday.
This ensures you still honour the sanctity of Jummah, even if you cannot join the congregation.
So, that's a wrap on our guide to Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) prayer! It's not just a religious duty; it's a beautiful religious act that brings Muslims together every week. By following these steps and understanding the significance of it, you're not just fulfilling an obligation; you're part of a vibrant community that cherishes this special time. Here's to meaningful and blessed Jummah/Jum’ah (Friday) prayers ahead!
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