What is Muslim Friday Prayer? How it is Performed?
Jumu’ah, also known as the Friday prayer, is a significant and special congregational prayer in Islam. For those new to Islam or simply curious about its practices, this article will provide a simple yet comprehensive overview of what Jumu’ah is, why it holds immense importance, and how it is performed. We will also reference the Quran and Sunnah to shed light on the significance of Jumu’ah in the Islamic faith.
What is Jumu’ah?
Jumu’ah is the weekly Friday prayer observed by Muslims. It takes place every Friday, replacing the regular Dhuhr (noon) prayer. This special prayer is a time for Muslims to gather at the mosque, listen to a sermon (khutbah), and perform a collective act of worship.
Why is Jumu’ah Important?
Quranic Evidence:
In Surah (Chapter) Al-Jumu’ah Allah emphasizes the significance of the Friday prayer:
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.
Al-Quran 62:9
Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the importance of Jumu’ah in numerous hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet). One famous hadith highlights its significance:
The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created, and on it, he was made to enter Paradise, and on it, he was expelled from it.
Sahih Muslim
Another hadith reinforces the importance of attending the Friday prayer:
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the sermon, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.
Sahih Al-Bukhari
How is Jumu’ah Performed?
- Preparation:
- Muslims prepare for Jumu’ah by taking a ritual bath (ghusl) and wearing clean clothes.
- They aim to reach the mosque early, as the time of Friday prayer is a blessed period.
- Khutbah (Sermon):
- The Imam (prayer leader) delivers two sermons during Jumu’ah from a Minbar.
- Congregants listen attentively to the sermon, which typically includes reminders about Islamic principles, moral values, and guidance as well as contemporary issues.
- Congregational Prayer:
- After the sermon, Muslims pray two Rak’ahs (units) of Salah, which is the Jumu’ah prayer.
- It is essential to attend the Jumu’ah prayer in congregation at the mosque.
Jumu’ah, the Muslim Friday prayer, is a pivotal and spiritually enriching aspect of Islam. It serves as a weekly opportunity for Muslims to gather, worship together resulting in a stronger community, receive guidance, and seek forgiveness. The Quran and Sunnah underscore its importance, making it an integral part of a Muslim’s life. Understanding Jumu’ah can help non-Muslims and new Muslims appreciate its significance within the Islamic faith.
In today’s fast-paced world, Prayers Connect offers Jumu’ah prayer timings for mosques across several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, etc., helping Muslims ensure they never miss this vital Friday prayer amidst their busy lives.
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