Salat ul-Jum’ah (صلاة الجمعة), often simply referred to as Jumu’ah prayer, is the congregational prayer held every Friday in Islam, replacing the Dhuhr (صلاة الظهر) (midday) prayer. It is one of the most important weekly gatherings for Muslims and holds immense spiritual significance.

What is Salat ul-Jum’ah?

• Jumu’ah (الجمعة): Means “gathering” or “congregation,” referring to Friday as the day Muslims gather for this special prayer.
• Significance: Friday is considered the best day of the week in Islam, with unique blessings and virtues. The Jumu’ah prayer serves as a weekly spiritual rejuvenation, fostering unity, strengthening faith, and providing guidance through the sermon.

Obligation (Wujoob – وجوب):

Salat ul-Jum’ah is an individual obligation (Fardh ‘Ayn – فرض عين) upon specific categories of Muslims. It is obligatory upon every free, sane, adult, resident Muslim male who has no valid excuse.

It is not obligatory upon:

• Women.
• Children (though they are encouraged to attend).
• Travelers (Musafir – مسافر).
• The sick or those with valid excuses (e.g., severe illness, disability, extreme weather).
• Slaves (historically).

Conditions for Validity (Shuroot – شروط):

For Salat ul-Jum’ah to be valid, certain conditions must be met:

1. Time (الوقت): It must be performed during the time of the Dhuhr prayer (midday until mid-afternoon).
2. Congregation (Jama’ah – جماعة): It must be performed in congregation. It cannot be prayed individually.
3. Minimum Number: Scholars differ on the minimum number of people required for the congregation, ranging from 3 to 40 or more, depending on the school of thought (Madhab – مذهب). However, it is generally accepted that a significant number of people must be present.
4. Khutbah (الخطبة – Sermon): Two sermons must be delivered by the Imam (leader of the prayer) immediately before the two Rak’ahs of prayer. Listening attentively to the Khutbah is crucial.
5. Designated Place: It should typically be held in a central mosque (Masjid Jami’ – مسجد جامع) in a city or town, not just any small prayer area.

How to Perform Salat ul-Jum’ah (كيفية الأداء):

The Jumu’ah prayer consists of two main parts:

1. The Khutbah (The Sermon):

   • The Imam delivers two sermons, separated by a brief sitting.
   • The Khutbah usually begins with praises of Allah and salutations upon the Prophet (PBUH).
   • It serves to remind Muslims of their duties, provide guidance, explain Islamic teachings, and address contemporary issues.
   • It is obligatory for congregants to listen attentively to the Khutbah and refrain from talking or engaging in distractions.

2. The Prayer (الصلاة):

   • After the Khutbah, the Iqamah (الإقامة) (second call to prayer) is made.
   • The congregation then performs two Rak’ahs (ركعات) of prayer, instead of the usual four for Dhuhr.
   • The Imam recites the Quran aloud (Jahri – جهري) in both Rak’ahs.
   • The prayer is performed just like any other two-Rak’ah prayer (e.g., Fajr), but with the intention of praying Jumu’ah.

Importance and Virtues (Fadail – فضائل):

• Best Day of the Week: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday.” (Muslim).
• Forgiveness of Sins: Attending Jumu’ah prayer with proper etiquette can lead to forgiveness of sins committed between the two Fridays. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, and cleanses himself as much as he can, and puts oil (on his hair) or scents himself with perfume, and then proceeds for the prayer and does not pass between two persons, and prays what is fixed for him, and listens to the Imam silently, then his sins between this Friday and the previous Friday will be forgiven.” (Bukhari).
• Special Hour for Du’a: There is a specific hour on Friday when any Du’a made by a Muslim is accepted by Allah.
• Rewards for Early Arrival: There are great rewards for those who go early to the mosque for Jumu’ah, likened to sacrificing a camel, then a cow, then a sheep, a chicken, or an egg.

Recommended Acts on Jumu’ah (Sunan al-Jumu’ah – سنن الجمعة):

Muslims are encouraged to perform several recommended acts on Friday:

• Ghusl (غسل): Taking a full ritual bath.
• Wearing Clean Clothes and Perfume: Presenting oneself in the best possible way.
• Using Miswak (مسواك): Cleaning the teeth.
• Going Early to the Mosque: To gain maximum rewards.
• Walking to the Mosque: If possible.
• Reciting Surah Al-Kahf (سورة الكهف): Its recitation protects from the trials of the Dajjal.
• Increasing Salawat ‘ala Al-Nabi (الصلاة على النبي): Sending abundant blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Making Du’a: Especially during the accepted hour.

Importance of Salat ul-Jum’ah

Jum’ah holds immense significance in Islam, making Friday a blessed day for Muslims:

1. Divine Commandment: The Quran explicitly mentions the importance of Jum’ah in Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:9): “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 leave¹ trade. That is better for you, if you only² knew.” This verse highlights the priority of seeking Allah’s remembrance over worldly pursuits.
2. Expiation of Sins: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that attending Jum’ah prayer and fulfilling its requirements (like performing ghusl, going early, listening attentively) can lead to the forgiveness of minor sins committed between two Fridays.
3. Weekly Spiritual Renewal: It serves as a vital spiritual refresher, bringing Muslims back to their faith and the larger Ummah (global Muslim community) after a week of worldly engagement. The sermon often addresses contemporary issues and provides moral and ethical guidance.
4. Unity and Brotherhood: Jum’ah prayer brings Muslims from diverse backgrounds together in one place, standing shoulder to shoulder, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or race. This powerfully demonstrates the Islamic principle of equality and strengthens community bonds.
5. Special Hour of Acceptance for Du’a: There is a specific, brief period on Friday when supplications (Du’a) are highly likely to be accepted by Allah. While the exact time is unknown, many narrations suggest it’s in the last hour after the Asr prayer until Maghrib.
6. A Day of Blessings: Many significant events in Islamic history are linked to Friday, such as the creation of Adam (PBUH) and other important occurrences, further elevating its status.

Who is Salatul-Jumu’ah obligatory upon?

Salat ul-Jum’ah is generally obligatory (fard) for every free, adult, sane, resident Muslim man who has the physical ability to attend and no valid Islamic excuse.

Exemptions:

• Women and Children: They are not obligated but are encouraged to attend if they wish. If they don’t attend, they pray Dhuhr at home.
• Travelers: Those on a journey are exempt.
• The Sick and Infirm: Those who face hardship or whose illness might worsen by attending the mosque are excused.
• Those with Valid Excuses: This includes severe weather, fear for personal safety, or extreme circumstances.

If a person falls under an exemption, they should pray the regular Dhuhr prayer (4 Rak’at) instead.

How is Salat ul-Jum’ah Performed?

Salat ul-Jum’ah replaces the Dhuhr prayer and has a specific format:

1. Preparation (Sunnah acts before going to the mosque):

   • Ghusl (ritual bath): Highly recommended and considered a strong Sunnah.
   • Wearing clean, presentable clothes: Preferably new or white.
   • Applying perfume/attar (for men):
   • Using a Miswak (tooth-stick) or brushing teeth: For oral hygiene.
   • Clipping nails:
   • Reciting Surah Al-Kahf: Highly recommended to read this Surah on Friday.
   • Sending abundant blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): (Salawat and Durood).
   • Going to the mosque early: Angels record the names of those who come early, and rewards increase the earlier one arrives.

2. The Adhan (Call to Prayer):

   • Often, there are two Adhans for Jum’ah prayer in many mosques. The first announces the time has entered, and the second is just before the Imam begins the sermon.

3. Sunnah Prayers (before the Khutbah):

   • Upon entering the mosque, it’s recommended to pray two Rak’at (units of prayer) as Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque).
   • Many scholars also recommend performing other voluntary (Nafl) prayers until the Imam comes out to deliver the sermon.

4. The Khutbah (Sermon):

   • This is a crucial and integral part of Jum’ah prayer, replacing the first two Rak’at of Dhuhr. It is delivered by the Imam (Khatib).
   • It consists of two parts, with the Imam sitting briefly between them.
   • Content: The sermon typically includes praise of Allah, blessings upon the Prophet, exhortation to piety (Taqwa), reminders about Islamic teachings, and relevant contemporary issues.
   • Listening Attentively: It is obligatory to listen to the Khutbah attentively. Speaking, playing with objects, or distracting others during the sermon is prohibited and diminishes the reward.

5. The Iqamah: After the second part of the sermon is concluded, the Iqamah (second call to prayer, signaling the start of the congregational prayer) is recited.

6. The Fard (Obligatory) Prayer:

   • The Imam then leads the congregation in two Rak’at of congregational prayer.
   • This prayer is performed exactly like the first two Rak’at of any other congregational prayer (e.g., Fajr). The recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah is done audibly by the Imam.
   • It’s generally recommended for the Imam to recite Surah Al-Jumu’ah in the first Rak’ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun in the second, following the Sunnah of the Prophet.

7. Sunnah Prayers (after the Fard prayer):

   • After the two Fard Rak’at, it is recommended to pray additional Sunnah prayers. There’s a difference of opinion among scholars on the exact number, but often 2 or 4 Rak’at are performed.

the Differences between  Salatul-Jumu’ah Dhuhr Prayer

• Congregational Obligation: Jum’ah is strictly congregational and cannot be prayed alone. Dhuhr can be prayed individually.
• Number of Rak’at: Jum’ah Fard prayer is 2 Rak’at, whereas Dhuhr is 4 Rak’at.
• The Khutbah: The sermon is a mandatory part of Jum’ah prayer and substitutes for the two reduced Rak’at of Dhuhr. Dhuhr has no sermon.
• Day: Jum’ah is specific to Friday; Dhuhr is prayed every other day.
• Time: Both are prayed around midday, but Jum’ah starts only after the sun passes its zenith (midday).

Here are the steps for Salat ul-Jum’ah:

1. Preparation: Perform Ghusl, wear clean clothes, and arrive at the mosque early.
2. Adhan: Listen to the call to prayer.
3. Sunnah Prayers: Perform voluntary prayers until the Imam arrives.
4. Khutbah (Sermon): Listen attentively to the Imam’s sermon.
5. Iqamah: Listen to the second call to prayer.
6. Fard Prayer: Pray two Rak’at led by the Imam.
7. Sunnah Prayers: Perform additional voluntary prayers.

Du’a Recommendations for Salat ul-Jum’ah

Jum’ah (Friday) is a blessed day in Islam, and it holds a special hour when Du’as (دعاء – supplications) are highly likely to be accepted. So, pouring your heart out to Allah on this day is a highly recommended act of ‘Ibādah (عبادة – worship).

1. Best Times for Du’a on Jum’ah:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us: “On Friday there is an hour when, if a Muslim happens to pray at that time and ask Allah for something good, He will give it to¹ him.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Scholars have different views on when this special hour is, but the two most common and prominent opinions point to:

• From the time the Imam sits on the Minbar (منبر – pulpit) until the prayer ends. This includes the entire Khutbah (خطبة – sermon) and the two Rak’at (ركعات – units of prayer) of the Jum’ah prayer. While you must listen intently during the Khutbah, you can make silent Du’a in your heart, especially during the Imam’s own Du’a at the end of the second part of the Khutbah, and when you’re in Sujood (سجود – prostration) during the prayer.
• After Asr (العصر – afternoon prayer) until Maghrib (المغرب – sunset/evening prayer). Many scholars and Sahabah (صحابة – companions of the Prophet) highlighted this period as the most likely time for Du’a to be answered. This is a very popular time for many Muslims to focus their supplications.

Given these views, it’s a good idea to strive to make Du’a throughout Friday, but put extra effort into these two specific periods.

2. Du’a Recommendations:

While you can make any sincere Du’a to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى – Glorified and Exalted is He), here are some types of supplications particularly recommended for Jum’ah:

A. General & Comprehensive Du’as:

• For Forgiveness: Jum’ah is a day of immense forgiveness, so sincerely ask Allah for pardon for all your sins.
  • “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.” (اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني) (O Allah, You are the Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.)
  • “Rabbana zhalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lanakoonanna minal-khasireen.” (ربنا ظلمنا أنفسنا وإن لم تغفر لنا وترحمنا لنكونن من الخاسرين) (Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the² losers.) [Quran 7:23]
• For Guidance and Righteousness:
  • “Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-‘afafa wal-ghina.” (اللهم إني أسألك الهدى والتقى والعفاف والغنى) (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.)³
• For Good in This World and the Hereafter:
  • “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.” (ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار) (Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and⁴ protect us from the punishment of the Fire.) [Quran 2:201]

B. Specific Actions & Recommended Du’as on Jum’ah:

• Send Abundant Salawat (صلوات – blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): This is highly emphasized on Friday. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Send more blessings upon me on Friday and the night of Friday.” (Al-Bayhaqi)
  • The simplest form: “Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad.” (اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد) (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.)
  • The complete Salawat al-Ibrahimiyyah (الصلاة الإبراهيمية) (recited in Salah): “Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hameedun Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali⁵ Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hameedun Majeed.” (O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham.⁶ Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.)⁷
• Recite Surah Al-Kahf (سورة الكهف): While not a Du’a, reciting this Surah on Friday is a highly recommended Sunnah (سنة – prophetic practice) and brings great blessings.
• Du’a within Sujood (Prostration): The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so increase in supplication.” (Sahih Muslim) Make your Du’a during the prostrations of the 2 Rak’at of Jum’ah prayer, and any optional Sunnah or Nafl (نفل – voluntary) prayers you perform.
• Du’a between Adhan (أذان – call to prayer) and Iqamah (إقامة – second call to prayer): This is another generally accepted time for Du’a acceptance. If you get to the mosque early, make Du’a after the first Adhan before the Iqamah for Jum’ah prayer.
• After the Fard (فرض – obligatory) Prayer: After finishing the 2 Rak’at of Jum’ah prayer and performing any immediate Sunnah prayers, take a moment to make Du’a before heading out.

3. Tips for Making Du’a:

• Sincerity (إخلاص): Make Du’a with a truly sincere heart, believing that only Allah can answer.
• Certainty in Response: Have full conviction that Allah will answer your Du’a, in the way that’s truly best for you.
• Start with Praise, End with Salawat: Always begin your Du’a by praising Allah (e.g., Al-Hamdulillah – الحمد لله), and sending Salawat on the Prophet (PBUH). End your Du’a with Salawat and “Ameen” (آمين – Amen).
• Raise Your Hands: Raising your hands is a Sunnah when making Du’a.
• Repeat Your Du’a: Don’t hesitate to repeat your supplications, especially those you feel strongly about.
• Ask for Others: Be inclusive! Pray for your family, friends, the entire Ummah (أمة – global Muslim community), and all of humanity.
• Avoid Sins: Be mindful of your actions, as sins can sometimes be barriers to Du’a being answered.