Have you ever wondered why Jummah or Friday is such a revered day in Islam? What happens if you skip the Friday prayer? Why is Friday prayer so important for Muslims? Read the article to find out.

The Friday Prayer

Jummah in Arabic means the Day of Assembly. Friday is the most celebrated day of the week in Islam. It is the day when Allah created Hazrat Adam (AS).  Allah commands Muslims to prepare for Jummah as they do for Eid. Muslims must bathe, wear nice clothes, and apply fragrance. It is virtuous to cut nails on Friday. Hence Muslims must prepare well for the Friday prayer in Islam.

Friday prayer is the obligatory weekly congregational prayer in Islam. The distinguishing feature of this midday prayer is that you cannot perform it alone, unlike all other obligatory prayers. Friday prayer is obligatory for men but not women. Like the Zuhr prayer, the adhan for Friday prayer occurs after the sun has crossed its peak.

How to Pray the Friday Prayer

After the first call to prayer, Muslims offer four rakats sunnah which are sunnah muakkada. Then the imam offers khutbah. After listening to the khutbah, the believers make the intention to offer two rakats farz of Jumma prayers. Then they offer the Jumma prayers with imam. After that, they offer four rakats sunnah muakkadah. Then they offer two more sunnah prayers, completing the Friday prayer.

Friday Prayer Importance in Islam

Jummah prayers are an essential part of the Islamic faith. Allah says in the Holy Quran,

“O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is made on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], 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)

It is the time of the day when everyone is busy earning his means. When the adhan calls, Muslims leave whatever they are doing and present themselves at their Lord’s service. Hence, it implies that salah and presenting oneself before Allah comes before every worldly affair.

Islam is a religion that promotes peace and brotherhood. It boosts the sense of belongingness to the community through its teachings. Jumma prayer is a classic illustration. Every week, Muslim brothers gather in their neighborhood mosque and pray together. It gives them a chance to meet with each other which otherwise gets difficult in today’s fast-paced life. People get to know about each other’s problems and progress in life. They can share the happiness and sorrows. If a person is suffering from a problem, he can share it with the imam. The imam can make a special prayer and request all the attendants to pray for that cause. This adds barakah to the prayer.

Friday prayer gives a chance to every Muslim to rekindle his bond with Allah. With so many things going on in life, we tend to deviate from the Right Path. The devil evokes us to go astray in the face of difficulties in life. However, the tranquil atmosphere in the mosque at Jummah prayer clears our minds and shows us what is the right path. And that is to believe in Allah and face the challenges without choosing the wrong path.

The khutbah holds a special place in Islam. It brings people closer to the religion, guiding them about important worldly matters. Listening to khutbah attentively not only earns great rewards but it helps in the spiritual cleansing of a person, protecting him against committing sins.

Friday is the day of abundant blessings. Offering Jumma prayers earns huge rewards. According to a hadith,

“The five daily prayers, and from one Friday prayer to the next, serve as expiation for what is between them, as long as major sins are avoided.” (Sahih Muslim)

Therefore, the importance of Friday prayer in Islam is paramount, protecting him from evil and earning great rewards.

Friday Prayer Dua

It is especially virtuous to make prayers on Friday. It is the day of blessings. Hence every Muslim must utilize the day as much as possible. Here are some common Friday supplications.

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وآلِهِ

O Allah send blessings to Muhammad, and his Household

وَهَبْ لِيَ ٱلْغَدَاةَ رِضَاكَ

Grant me your satisfaction this very early morning

وَأَسْكِنْ قَلْبِي خَوْفَكَ

Place fear of you in my heart

There are many other supplications for this holy day. Apart from that, it is virtuous to send salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Friday. Many people also recite Surah Rahman on Friday to earn Allah’s mercy and blessings. Surah Kahf is also an essential Friday ritual as it protects against the calamity of Dajjal.