The Significance and Values of the Friday Prayer

Allah gifted the Muslim nation with things that were not given to other nations. One of the benefits that our community has is the Friday prayer, and the values that are affiliated with this day.

Surah Jumuah states, (To all of those who believe: When the Friday prayer is called, proceed diligently and leave whatever is occupying your hands. It is a time to remember Allah, and this is what is best for you.)

The minimum number of people who should attend the Jumah was a debate between different scholars. Some believed that forty people should be present, others debated on twelve, while the majority voted on three other individuals in addition to the Imam.

The Prophet (PBUH) said that the best sunrise of the week took place on Friday. One of these reasons was because Prophet Adam was created on a Friday, he entered Paradise on a Friday, and he left Paradise on Friday. The Day of Judgment will take place on a Friday. Friday is also the greatest and holiest day of the week. However, the other religions were not given the gift of Friday as the Muslim nation has recieven. The Jewish and Christian communities are always envious that they weren’t lucky enough to receive the following things that the Muslims were given: the Friday as the holiest day of the week, the Quibla to Mecca, and saying “Ameen” behind the Imams during the prayer. They lacked these advantages that were given to the Muslims and pity themselves for it.

When you attend Jummah and do everything that has been asked from you, it will eliminate all of the sins that you have committed over the past week.

Everyday Friday, there is an hour where your Dua will be accepted, so it is important to continuously be praying. Some scholars believe that it is between the time that the Imam has begun the Khotba until the end of the prayer, or between the Asr prayer and the Maghreb Prayer.

Every step taken that leads you to the masjid early will result in you receiving a reward.

Another reward that you can receive on Friday is praying Fajr in the mosque as a group.

Rules and guides that should be followed on Friday are listed below:

1. While praying, recite Surah Insan and Surah Al Sagda

2. Repeat the Prophet’s name continuously and more often on Friday’s then on other days, and wish peace upon him

3. Cleanse and bathe yourself before going to the masjid

4. Put on a good scent (teeb) such as perfume and wear presentable and appropriate clothing before attending the Friday prayer

5. Come to Masjid early, as there will be an angel at the doors of the mosque that will list the names of those who attend on time. Once the Imam begins the Khotba, they will stop writing, close the books, and listen in on the Khotoba.

6. Maintain good manners while the Imam is speaking, and focus and listen quietly to what the Imam is saying in order to comprehend his words

7. A good deed is to read Surah Al Kahf. It will lighten up the time between this Friday up until the next

8. It is preferred to pray four rakats of Sunnah after praying Jummah

9. Pray two rakats as Sunnah once entering the masjid, even if the Imam has began to address his speech

10. Travelers are not obligated to attend the mosque for Jummah, but if they do, they will be rewarded. However, the Prophet (PBUH) did not pray Jummah while he was doing Hajj in Mecca, he would just pray Duhr

Common Mistakes that Occur on Friday

1. People who do not attend Jummah, don’t take it seriously, or let their laziness prevent them from going to the Masjid

2. Arriving late for the speech and miss half of the service

3. Dressing inappropriately and not presently for the Jummah service

4. Sitting down near the exit of the Masjid and not sitting attempting to fill the first rows first

5. Arriving late and trying to get a seat in the front by disturbing people and pushing through them

6. Walking in front and interrupting those that are praying or doing Sunna