Friday Prayer- A Complete Guide for Salat al Juma

The Friday prayer, or Jumu'ah, is a special congregational prayer held by Muslims every Friday at midday. It is one of the most important and obligatory rituals in Islam for all able-bodied adult men. The jummah prayer replaces the standard midday Dhuhr prayer.

In this blog, we will explore what is Jummah prayer in Islam, its conditions, and how to offer Friday prayer step by step. 

What is Friday Prayer in Islam 

In Islam, Friday prayer is also known as Jummah prayer or salat ul jummah. It is a mandatory two-rakat congregational prayer that is performed by Muslims on every Friday. Attending Juma prayer is obligatory for adult muslim men. 

In the Holy Quran, Allah emphasizes offering the prayer of jummah. The Quran mentions;

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا نُوْدِیَ لِلصَّلٰوةِ مِنْ یَّوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا اِلٰى ذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ وَ ذَرُوا الْبَیْعَؕ-ذٰلِكُمْ خَیْرٌ لَّكُمْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ(9)

“O you who believe, when the call for Salāh (prayer) is proclaimed on Friday, hasten for the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is much better for you, if you but know.”  (Surah Al-Jum’ah, verse 9)

This verse instructs believers to hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave their business when the call to prayer is made on Friday. It states that this is best for them if they only knew. 

This command encourages Muslims to attend the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer and its associated sermon, prioritizing spiritual devotion over worldly transactions at that specific time.  

Conditions of Jummah Prayer 

Jummah prayer is a weekly congregational prayer. There are certain conditions that should be fulfilled to make it valid. The conditions include;

Time for Friday prayer

Jummah prayer must be performed during the time slot of the Dhuhr prayer. It is midday, typically after the sun passes its zenith. The exact Juma time varies by location due to differences in local prayer times. However, it cannot be offered before or after the Dhuhr time frame.

Location

The prayer must take place in a city, town, or a place with a congregation, in a mosque or a designated prayer space. This ensures the communal aspect of Jummah, distinguishing it from individual prayers.

Congregation

The Muslim Jummah prayer requires a congregation led by an imam. The minimum number of attendees is debated among muslim scholars. Some argue for a minimum of two other adult male attendees, while some scholars require three or four. The prayer must be performed collectively, not individually.

Obligatory for Men

Jummah namaz is obligatory for adult, healthy Muslim men who are physically and mentally capable of attending. It is not obligatory for women, children, travelers, the sick, or those in exceptional circumstances. However, women may attend voluntarily.

Khutbah

A khutbah (sermon) is an essential component of friday muslim prayer. It must be delivered before the 2 Fard rakats. The khutbah is a prerequisite for the prayer’s validity.

Structure of salat al Juma

The structure of Jummah Namaz (Friday prayer) consists of a total of 12 rakats (units of prayer), divided into specific categories, such as Sunnah Mu’akkadah, Fard (Farz), and Nafl. Below is an explanation of each component. 

The Jummah prayer consists of 12 rakats in total:

• 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 2 Fard + 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah + 2 Nafl

4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah Rakats

Four Rakat Sunnah Muaakkidat are offered individually before the khutbah (sermon) and the obligatory Fard prayer. These four rakats of Sunnah Mu’akkadah are highly recommended, emphasized Sunnah prayers. 

These rakats are highly encouraged based on the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who consistently performed them before the Jummah prayer.

2 Fard Rakats

There are 2 Fardh rakats of Friday prayer. These two obligatory rakats are performed in congregation, led by the imam, after the delivery of the khutbah (Friday sermon).

These two rakats replace the four Fard rakats of the Dhuhr prayer and make Jummah unique in its structure.

Sunnah Mu’akkadah Rakats (After the Fard)

There are another four rakats of Sunnah Mu’akkadah that are performed individually after the Fard rakats. These rakats are also based on the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and are highly recommended to complete the Jummah prayer.

2 Nafl Rakats (Optional)

Two Nafl optional rakats are performed individually after the Fard and Sunnah rakats. Nafl prayers are not obligatory but are encouraged for those seeking extra rewards and closeness to Allah.

These are prayed as a single set of two rakats, similar to other voluntary (Nafl) prayers.

The Jummah Khutbah 

The Jummah Khutbah is the sermon delivered by the Imam before the obligatory 2 Fard rakats of the Jummah Namaz. It is an integral part of the Jummah prayer. 

It is delivered in two parts, with a brief pause between them, and is followed immediately by the 2 Fard rakats of the Jummah prayer. The khutbah is a religious obligation for the validity of the Jummah prayer. 

Here is the concise structure of the Friday prayer khutbah. 

First Khutba

• Opening: Praise Allah (Hamd) and send blessings (Salawat) on the Prophet Muhammad.
• Content: Brief sermon on Quranic verses, Hadith, or relevant spiritual and social topics encouraging piety.
• Supplication: Short dua for the community.

Pause: Imam sits briefly between two khutbas for reflection. It is a Sunnah practice.

Second Khutbah

• Opening: Repeat praise of Allah and blessings on the Prophet.
• Content: Shorter sermon, reinforcing the first part or focusing on supplications.
• Supplication: Extensive duas for the Muslim ummah, leaders, and global concerns.

How to Offer Prayer of Jummah

Friday jummah prayer includes specific steps, including the khutbah (sermon) and a structured sequence of rakats. It is offered in the leadership of an Imam. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to offer the muslim friday prayer. 

Perform Wudu (Ablution)

Wudu is the ritual purification required before any prayer, including Jummah. It involves washing specific parts of the body in a prescribed order to ensure cleanliness.

Offer Sunnah Prayer

Before the khutbah and the obligatory Fard prayer, it is highly recommended to pray 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah rakats individually.

Listen to the Khutbah (Sermon)

Listening to the khutbah is an obligatory component of Jummah. It is delivered by the imam before the 2 Fard rakats. Listening attentively is a religious duty, and talking or engaging in other activities during the khutbah is prohibited.

Join the Main Jumu’ah Prayer

The main prayer of Friday consists of 2 Fard rakats performed in congregation, immediately after the khutbah. 

Here is how to perform it. 

• Make the Intention: In your heart, intend to pray 2 rakats of Fard for Jummah. For example, I intend to pray two rakats of Fard for Jummah behind the imam for the sake of Allah.
• Follow the Imam: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other worshippers in straight rows behind the imam. Follow the imam’s actions and recitations.
• Begin with ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Takbir), raising your hands to shoulder level
• Read the Sana (Subhanakallahumma wa Bihamdika) silently. 
• The imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah aloud. Listen to it silently.
• Follow the imam in ruku, saying ‘Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem’ three times.
• The Imam will stand up, saying ‘Sami’Allahu liman hamidah’ and say Rabbana lakal hamd while standing. 
• Follow the imam to Sajdah (prostration). Say ‘Subhana Rabbiyal Aala’ three times in each. One Rakat is completed here. 
• The imam will stand up and repeat the process for the second rakat. 
• After sujud of the second rakat, sit for the final Tashahhud.
• In tashahud, read Attahiyat then Durood shareef, read Rabbana Aatina dua, and conclude namaz jumma with Salam as directed by the imam.

Etiquettes of Salah Jummah

Salat al-Jumu'ah holds a special place in Islam. There are some etiquettes of this prayer. Observing its etiquette not only fulfills a religious duty but also brings immense rewards

Ghusl (Ritual Bath)

It is highly recommended (Sunnah) to take a full bath before heading to the mosque, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged this for purification and freshness.

Wear Clean and Best Clothes

Dress in your finest, clean attire, preferably white, to honor the day. Apply perfume (for men) if possible. Avoid strong scents that may disturb others.

Eat Lightly or Avoid Garlic/Onions

Refrain from eating foods with strong odors like garlic, onions, or leeks to prevent disturbing fellow worshippers.

Go Early to the Mosque

Arrive well before the prayer starts to secure a spot in the front rows, listen to the khutbah (sermon) attentively, and engage in optional prayers or dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

Enter with the Right Foot and Greet

Step into the mosque with your right foot first, reciting the dua for entering Masjid. Offer two rak'ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque) upon entry.

Avoid Stepping Over People

Do not step over the shoulders or necks of others sitting; find a spot without disturbing anyone. Sit calmly in the rows, filling gaps from the front and center.

Maintain Silence During Khutbah

Once the imam ascends the pulpit, stop all talk, even reminding others of good. Listen intently to the khutbah. Talking invalidates the reward of Jumu'ah. 

No Business or Distractions

Avoid buying, selling, or worldly conversations after the adhan. Focus solely on worship.

Pray Sunnah Prayers

Before the fard (obligatory) prayer, offer optional rak'ahs if time allows. After the fard, pray 4 rak'ahs at home or 2 in the mosque, followed by additional Sunnah.

Make Dua Abundantly

Friday is a day of acceptance. Friday prayer dua is never rejected. Always make dua, especially during the last hour after Asr, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and fulfillment of your needs.

Recite Surah Al-Kahf

It is Sunnah to read Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18 of the Quran) on Friday for protection from fitnah and blessings until the next Friday. If you can’t read Surah Kahf, we can help you learn the Quran online.

Send Salawat on the Prophet (PBUH)

Increase sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as rewards are multiplied on this day.

Leave Peacefully

After prayer, exit calmly, stepping out with the left foot first, and recite the dua for leaving the mosque. Avoid rushing or causing congestion.

Significance of Jummah Prayer on Friday

The Friday prayer (Jummah Namaz) holds a special place in Islam, distinguished by its communal, spiritual, and obligatory nature. It is a weekly gathering that fosters unity, reflection, and devotion.

The jummah prayer blessings and virtues are highlighted in the Quran and numerous Hadith, emphasizing their significance and rewards.

Obligatory Act of Worship and Day of Significance

Jummah is the holiest day in Islam. The Quran dedicates an entire verse to the importance of Jummah prayer. It emphasizes its obligation and the need to prioritize it over worldly matters:
“O you who have believed, when the call is made 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.” (Surah Al-Jumu‘ah, 62:9)

This verse underscores that Friday prayer is a divine command, urging Muslims to leave business and worldly distractions to attend the congregational prayer and khutbah (sermon).

Friday is considered the best day of the week, as described in the Hadith. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrates that the holy Prophet (SAW) said;

“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 7, Hadith 27)

Forgiveness of Sins

Attending Jummah prayer with sincerity and proper etiquette is a means of forgiveness of sins committed between one Friday and the next.

“The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu‘ah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit major sins.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 17)
This hadith highlights Jummah’s role as a weekly opportunity for spiritual cleansing, provided major sins are avoided.

Reward for Attending Early 

Arriving early for Jummah and listening attentively to the khutbah bring immense rewards.

“Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself, then proceeds (to the mosque) and does not separate two people sitting together, then prays as much as is written for him, and remains silent while the Imam is delivering the sermon, his sins between the present and the last Friday will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 11, Hadith 6)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of preparation (e.g., ghusl, cleanliness, and perfume), arriving early, praying Sunnah rakats, and listening silently to the khutbah for maximum spiritual benefit.

Special Hour for Accepted Prayers

Friday is a day of immense blessings, with a specific time when supplications are more likely to be accepted. The holy prophet (SAW) said;

“On Friday, there is an hour during which no Muslim asks Allah for something good but He will grant it to him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 11, Hadith 12)

Scholars differ on the exact timing of this hour, but it is commonly believed to be during the khutbah or after the Asr prayer. This makes attending Jummah a prime opportunity for dua (supplication).

Communal Unity and Spiritual Reflection

Jummah prayer fosters unity, as Muslims gather in congregation to worship and listen to the khutbah. It educates and reminds them of their duties to Allah. The Quran states;

“And when they see trade or amusement, they break up toward it and leave you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than amusement and trade, and Allah is the best of providers.’ (Surah Al-Jumu‘ah, 62:11)

The khutbah jumma itself serves as a weekly reminder of faith, encouraging piety and reflection. It includes Quranic teachings, Hadith, and guidance on contemporary issues.

Protection from Trials

Regularly attending Friday prayers is a means of seeking protection from trials and tribulations.

“Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two rakats, he will have a reward equal to that of Hajj and Umrah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book 5, Hadith 586)

While this Hadith refers to actions on Friday morning, it highlights the amplified rewards of worship on this day, which complement the Jummah prayer.

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Conclusion 

Jummah Prayer is an obligatory prayer performed during Dhuhr time on Fridays. It is offered in a mosque with a congregation led by an imam. It includes 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah rakats, a two-part khutbah, 2 Fard rakats, 4 Sunnah Mu’akkadah, and 2 optional Nafl rakats. The Quran and the hadith have highly emphasized performing prayers on Friday.