Every believer looks forward to the blessed day of Friday, a time of spiritual worship and connection with the Muslim community. On this important day, it is required for males who are not on a journey to attend the Friday prayer, also known as Jummah, during the midday prayer time. This rule is based on the holy book, the Prophet’s sayings, and the agreement of scholars. God, the Almighty, invites us in a line from the Quran to respond to His invitation and leave our business deals, which shows His care and attention for us. As we get ready, we take a full shower, apply some hair cream, wear neat outfits, and make wudu to be clean for prayer.
We join in the group prayer, sit in our spot quietly, and wait for the prayer leader to give the Friday talk. During the talk, it’s important to stay quiet, avoid any silly action, and pay attention, as every move we make brings a gift from God. As the Prophet Muhammad taught in trusted books, anyone who comes before time, walks instead of using a car, listens well, and shows loyalty to God, gets rewarded like they worshipped and fasted for a whole year. Even females can pray 2 prayer units at the masjid or 4 at home.
What is Jummah Prayer?
Jummah (or Jum’ah) is a special Friday prayer for Muslims, an essential part of Salah. This unique congregational prayer takes place during the Dhuhr time, but it’s performed differently than the usual Dhuhr prayer. Instead of the usual 4 units (rak’ahs), Jummah consists of 2 rak’ahs and begins with a Khutbah (sermon) delivered by the imam. Attending Jummah is obligatory for Muslim men, though those who are travelling or facing other valid reasons may be exempt. This prayer has great importance, as it serves as a reminder of Islamic principles and strengthens the bond between the Muslims in the community. As stated in Surah Al-Jum’ah,
Allah commands us to hasten to the remembrance of Him when the call for Friday prayer is made, leaving aside business and worldly affairs.
The Quran in verse 9 highlights how much better this is for us if we truly believe. On this day, attending Jummah prayer is not just a ritual, but an opportunity to learn, reflect, and spiritually rejuvenate through the sermon, which must be listened to attentively.
When Is Jummah Prayer Time?
The Jumuah prayer is performed on Fridays at noon, starting when the sun has passed its zenith and continuing until the time of Asr, which is the same as the time for the Dhuhr prayer.
How Many Rakats in Jummah Prayer?
When it comes to Jummah (Friday) prayer, there are specific rakats (units of prayer) to perform. The Jummah prayer replaces the first two rakats of the Zuhr prayer, which is done on any other day of the week. The sermon, or Khutbah, is an essential part of Jummah, and its attendance is compulsory for the congregation. After the Khutbah, Jummah prayer is offered in congregation. The rakats performed during Jummah are fardh, which means they are obligatory and must be prayed together with the community.
Number of Sunnah Rakat Before Jummah
Before performing the Jummah prayer, there are specific Sunnah rakats to be offered. According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), you should first offer 4 ghair muakkadah Sunnah rakats. These are voluntary prayers and are not always obligatory, as the Prophet sometimes performed them and sometimes abandoned them. However, following the Prophet’s practice is recommended. After this, you perform 2 fardh rakats in congregation, followed by 4 Sunnah muakkadah rakats, which are voluntary but regularly prayed by the Prophet. After the Jummah prayer, you can also offer 2 nafl rakats. It is important to note that skipping these Sunnah rakats is considered blameworthy in Islam, and intentionally not performing them is not advised. These rakats should be done with intention and dedication to your worship, as they contribute to the complete Jummah prayer.
How to Get Ready for Jummah Prayer?
Spiritual Preparation
Preparing for Jummah prayer starts with spiritual readiness, which includes ensuring you’re following the Islamic beliefs and etiquette. Before heading to the mosque, engage in purification acts to honour the significance of this Friday prayer.
Purification (Ghusl) and Cleanliness
The first step in preparing is to take a ghusl (bath), which is compulsory for all Muslims who have reached the age of puberty. This act ensures that you are in a pure state, in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As stated in the Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet emphasised the importance of cleanliness before performing the prayer.
Oral Hygiene (Miswak)
Next, clean your teeth using miswak or a regular toothbrush. The use of miswak, a natural toothbrush, is part of the Sunnah and helps maintain oral hygiene. It’s an essential practice to ensure cleanliness and readiness for the prayer.
Dress and Appearance
Dressing appropriately is crucial for Jummah prayer. Wear clean, neat, and presentable clothing to show respect and honour the occasion, much like celebrating Eid every week. Adorning yourself in the best clothes is an important part of Muslim culture, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to dress well on this day.
Fragrance (Oud and Perfume)
Applying Oud or a non-alcoholic perfume is part of the Sunnah and should be done to ensure a pleasant aroma. This enhances the overall experience and helps you feel comfortable, making the congregation around you more at ease.
Personal Hygiene (Nail Trimming)
Maintaining personal hygiene by trimming your nails is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of preparing for Jummah prayer. This small act shows your attention to detail and enhances your overall cleanliness before heading to the mosque.
Recite Surah Al-Kahf
It is highly recommended to recite Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays, a practice that brings great virtue. As mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.”
Dua (Supplications)
Lastly, take advantage of the special time between Asr and Maghreb for making duas (supplications). These prayers are said to be powerful and bring guidance, forgiveness, and rewards from Allah.
How to Perform Jummah (Friday) prayer
Set Your Intention
The Jummah or Jum’ah prayer begins with a sincere intention from the heart to perform it for the closeness of Allah and to fulfill an important obligation. This quiet niyyah sets the purpose for the ritual and spiritual connection of Friday Salah.
Get Clean and Ready
Start by getting ready in the way taught by the Prophet. This includes bathing (ghusl), brushing the teeth with miswak, trimming the nails, dressing nicely, and using non-alcoholic perfume. Then, perform wudu (ablution) by washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet in the specific order. This step maintains purity (Taharah), which is essential before praying.
Go Early to the Mosque
Try to arrive early at the mosque (masjid) to find a good location and take part in any congregational prayers already happening. Offer two rakats as a greeting upon entering. Being early allows you to settle and get into the right mindset for the khutbah (sermon) and the main prayer.
Listen to the Sermon
When the imam begins the sermon, it’s mandatory to listen attentively and avoid any talking or distractions. The khutbah is delivered in two parts and is an integral part of Jummah. It serves as a reminder of faith, morals, religion, and daily life concerns. It is considered equal to the first two units of Zuhr prayer.
Follow the Imam in Prayer
Line up in straight rows without gaps and follow the imam during the main Jummah prayer, which is led in two Raka’hs. Begin with Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and say the opening Dua (Dua al-Istiftah). Then, silently recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another portion of the Quran in each rakat.
Do Each Movement Properly
Say Allahu Akbar, and bow into ruku, saying Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem three times. Stand in I’tidal, say Sami’Allahu liman hamidah, followed by Rabbana lakal hamd in a lower voice. Then go into sujood (prostration) and recite Subhana Rabbiyal A’la, sit briefly and say Rabbighfir li, then make the second sujood. Begin the next Rak’ah, replicate the previous steps.
Say the Final Words
After completing both Raka’hs, sit in Jalsa, point your index finger, and recite the full tashahhud:
At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat,
salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh,
salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen,
ashhadu alla ilaha illallah,
ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Then send blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reciting:
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadiw wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed,
Allahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema.
End the Prayer with Salam
To complete the prayer, turn right and say Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah, then turn left and repeat the same. After that, you can make personal supplications (dua) for yourself, your loved ones, and the Muslim community.
Prayer Guidance: https://prayertimings.net/types-of-prayers-in-islam/
How Many Rakats Do Women Pray for Jummah?
There is no difference in the number of rakats for men and women. If a woman goes to the masjid for Jummah prayer, she will pray 2 rakats just like everyone else. But if she is praying at home or anywhere else, she should pray 4 rakats, just like the Zuhr prayer.
How to Pray Jummah at Home?
If you are praying Jummah at home, you should pray 4 rakats, not 2. This is because the khutbah (sermon) in the mosque replaces the first 2 rakats of the Zuhr prayer. So at home, treat it like a regular Zuhr prayer and perform all four rakats.
What Are The Virtues Of Friday?
Creation of Adam
Friday is a blessed day in Islam, known for its special significance in the religion. It holds a distinctive place, with numerous virtues associated with it, as mentioned in hadith. It is the day when Adam, the first prophet, was created and when he was made to enter Paradise and later expelled from it. As reported by Abu Huraira, the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it, Adam was created, on it, he was made to enter Paradise, and on it, he was expelled.” This day also marks the last hour, a time when no other day will have such significance.
Special Hour of Acceptance
A special feature of Friday is the Special Hour of Acceptance, which falls between Asr and Maghrib. This time is known to be unique, when Muslims should offer their most sincere prayers, asking Allah for guidance, mercy, and whatever they need in life. The exact timing remains unknown, but it is said to be short and narrow, just like a brief window of opportunity. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised that during this time, any dua made with pure intentions would be accepted.
Friday as Weekly Eid
Friday is also considered a weekly Eid, a day when Muslims come together at the mosque, leaving behind their businesses to spend time in worship and spiritual reflection. This day encourages unity, and those who perform their acts of worship on Friday receive an abundance of blessings, especially when they send blessings upon the Prophet. As Abu Hurayrah reported, the Companions asked about how blessings would reach the Prophet even after his death, to which he replied that Allah has made the earth forbidden for the prophets, allowing their bones to remain intact.
The Importance of Friday Preparation
Every Muslim should start getting ready for Friday on Thursday. After the asr prayer on Thursday, it’s a good idea to say istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) and prepare yourself spiritually. Make sure your clothes are clean and ready. If you don’t have perfume, try to get some, especially if you’re a man. The pious people of the past believed that those who prepare for Friday from Thursday get the most benefit. Unfortunately, some people don’t even know which day Friday is, and may need to ask, “What day is it?”
It’s also good to stay in the mosque the night before Friday for preparations. This is mentioned in Ihya’ `Ulum al-Din (vol. 1, page 161), which highlights the importance of being spiritually ready. On Friday, take a ghusl (bath), clean your head, hair, and body, and use the miswaak (tooth stick). Wear your best clothes and clip your nails. Men can wear perfume (but women should not wear it outside).
Arriving Early and the Rewards
The earlier you arrive at the mosque for Jummah prayer, the bigger the reward. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught that the angels write down the names of those who arrive first at the mosque. The person who arrives first will get the reward of sacrificing a camel, the next person gets the reward of a cow, and so on until even a small egg donation is rewarded. Once the khutbah (sermon) starts, the angels stop recording and listen to the sermon.
In the past, the streets would be so crowded early in the morning on Friday, it felt like Eid. Sadly, this habit has decreased over time. Imam Ghazali reminded us that Jews and Christians arrive early for their worship on their holy days, so why shouldn’t Muslims do the same for Friday? It’s unfortunate that Friday has lost much of its respect today. We must remember that Allah sees our actions, and this loss of respect has serious consequences. The reward for walking to the mosque on Friday is immense—each step taken is like fasting for a whole year (Tirmidhi).
Conclusion:
Performing the Jummah prayer is not just a religious duty but a spiritual gathering that holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. Every Friday, this unique prayer is offered in congregation during the Dhuhr time. Instead of the usual four rakats, Jummah consists of two units of prayer following a Khutbah or sermon. The key to this weekly Eid is arriving early at the mosque, listening attentively to the Khutbah, and then joining the Imam for the prayer.
Preparation is important, so make sure to perform ablution (wudu), take a bath (ghusl), wear clean clothes, and apply perfume to maintain a spiritually pure state. On Fridays, it’s also highly encouraged to engage in reciting Surah Al-Kahf, sending blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and making supplications between Asr and Maghrib. As you fulfill this obligation, remember that Jummah is not just about performing a religious act, but also about being part of a vibrant community that cherishes this special time together. For women, the Jummah prayer at the mosque involves the same two rakats as men, but those praying at home will perform the regular Dhuhr prayer. This act brings blessings and acceptance into your life while fulfilling a meaningful connection with your faith.
People also ask
How to pray Jummah step by step?
- Take a bath (ghusl) and do wudu (ablution).
- Wear clean clothes and use perfume if you have it.
- Go to the mosque early, sit quietly, and listen to the Khutbah (sermon).
- After the Khutbah, pray 2 rakats of Jummah prayer with the Imam.
- You can also pray extra Sunnah rakats before and after, if you want more reward.
How many rakats are in Jumma?
The main Jummah prayer is 2 rakats. Most people also pray 4 Sunnah rakats before and 2 or 4 Sunnah rakats after, but these are optional.
Is Friday prayer only 2 rakat?
Yes, the main Jummah prayer is only 2 rakats, and it takes the place of the normal Dhuhr prayer. Extra Sunnah prayers can be added, but the required part is just 2 rakats.
How to pray Jummah at home alone?
If you are alone at home, you can’t pray Jummah because it needs a group and a Khutbah. Instead, just pray 4 rakats of Dhuhr like on a regular day.