In Islam, Friday is a blessed day and is more than the end of the week! The Arabic word for Friday is Yawm al-Jumu‘ah, which means the ‘day of gathering or assembly’. It’s a time to prepare ourselves both inwardly and outwardly for the blessings of the day.
Here are some of the virtuous Sunnah acts of Friday for our benefit:
1. Reading Surah Al Kahf
It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khduri RA that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.” (Al-Haakim -Saheeh).
2. Making Dua
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah RA that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned Friday and said: “On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is. (Al-Bukhari).
Generally this is interpreted as the time after Asr’ prayer.
3. Taking a Bath
Abdullah Ibn Umar RA said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, ﷺ say: ‘When one of you wants to come to Jumm’ah, let him perform Ghusl.’” (Muslim).
This means that we should be clean and wear clean clothes when going to the masjid.
4. Not Missing the Jumm’ah Prayer
Allah says: “O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah (prayer) on Friday (Jumm‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allah [Jumm‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” (Surah al-Jumm’ah 62:9)
We should make an effort on Friday’s to attend the Jumm’ah prayers and benefit from the Khutbah!
5. Listening to the Khutbah Attentively
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever says to his friend while Imam is delivering Khutbah on Friday “keep quiet” also commits an absurdity.” (Muslim and Bukhari).
Meaning, even telling someone to be quiet is also not allowed. Everyone should be paying attention.
6. Go to the Masjid early if you can
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “On every Friday the angels take their stand at every gate of the mosque to write the names of the people chronologically (i.e. according to the time of their arrival for the Friday prayer) and when the Imam sits (on the pulpit) they fold up their scrolls and get ready to listen to the sermon.” (Al-Bukhari).
7. Send Blessings Upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown; and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” (Abu Dawud).
8. Walk to the Masjid if Possible
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The person who has a bath on Friday and goes early to the masjid on foot, and not by a vehicle, listens to the khutbah and does not do any foolish act while it is being delivered, will get the reward of one year’s ibaadah, one year’s fasting, and one year’s salah; for every step that he takes.” (Tirmidhi).
Alhamdulilah, at the Islamic Centre of Britain (ICOB), we will have 2500 spaces for both men and women to join the Jumm’ah Prayers. We aim to make Friday’s a special occasion for all that will encourage you to be at the Masjid nice and early!
