Importance of Jumu’ah in Islam: How Friday Brings Divine Blessings
It is the mercy of Allah SWT upon the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that He has ensured that His Message and Commandments have been passed down to us through trustworthy traditional channels, in unadulterated form, exactly as He has asked us to practice His religion. Among the numerous commandments and rulings given about prayers, it is widely acknowledged in Islamic knowledge circles that the importance of Jumu’ah and its prayer hold an especially sacred position in our Deen. The problem, however, is that for many, the actions of Friday are performed by rote, as mere exercises we are commanded to follow rather than with sincerity and understanding of the spiritual significance behind the day and its recommended practices.
Friday is known as Yawm al-Jumu‘ah in Arabic, literally translated as the ‘day of gathering or assembly’. It is a day of congregational prayers, community gathering, and spiritual reflection. The gathering is for the Jumu’ah prayer, where Muslims from diverse backgrounds come together to worship collectively, emphasizing the unity of the Muslim Ummah. The congregational prayer fosters a sense of belonging and reminds believers of their shared faith and values.
The importance of Jumu’ah is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, revered on account of the profound blessings, remarkable virtues, and spiritual significance associated with it. As believers striving towards a stronger spiritual connection with Allah SWT, it is essential to understand the incredible virtues and blessings of the day, which promise mercy, reward, and Divine Favor.
Why Friday?
A question that may arise is why Friday in particular? Islamic knowledge explains that Allah SWT has singled out certain times and places for the acceptance of duas, known fully only to Him. Similar to the Holy Month of Ramadan, Friday has been chosen for special congregational prayer and virtues, demonstrating Allah’s SWT Lordship and infinite mercy.
Allamah Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) explains that this singling out signifies the inherent virtue of the day, chosen by Allah for His blessings. Worship and prayer carry virtue everywhere, but Allah SWT has granted certain times and places “advanced virtues” as signs of His mercy and encouragement for the Creation to turn towards Him.
Importance of Friday in Islam
The importance of Jumu’ah is highlighted in both the Quran and Hadith, emphasizing its historical, spiritual, and communal relevance.
Creation of Prophet Adam (AS):
Many narrations indicate that Friday was the day on which Prophet Adam AS was created, entered Paradise, and was expelled from it. It is also the day when the Day of Judgment will occur.
“The best day that the sun has risen upon is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he entered Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it. And the Hour will not be established except on Friday.”
(Tirmidhi 488)
Surah Al-Jumuah:
Allah SWT has named a Surah after Friday, emphasizing its importance:
“O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah SWT and leave off business. That is best for you if only you knew.”
(Quran 62:9)
This Surah highlights Friday as ‘the Day of Assembly’ and stresses the significance of congregational prayer, encouraging believers to prioritize worship and remembrance of Allah SWT.
Communal Importance
Jumu’ah plays a vital role in unifying the Muslim Ummah. Muslims leave worldly affairs aside, listen to the Khutbah, and pray together, strengthening bonds within the community.
Virtues of Jumu’ah
Allah SWT has singled out Friday for specific worship and rituals, which carry unique rewards. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The Friday prayer is obligatory on him who hears the call.”
(Abu Dawud)
Attending the Jumu’ah prayer, performing ghusl, wearing clean clothes, and offering supplications are all acts that contribute to spiritual elevation and forgiveness of sins.
Special Hour of Acceptance:
There is a time on Friday when duas are highly likely to be accepted. Scholars often identify this as the last hour after Asr prayer.
Sending Salawat on Prophet ﷺ:
Friday is especially virtuous for sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
“The best of your days is Friday… so send a great deal of blessings upon me.”
(Abu Dawud 1047)
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf:
Reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday brings light and spiritual rewards between the two Fridays.
Recommended Actions for Jumu’ah
Islamic knowledge emphasizes these practices to maximize the blessings of Friday:
- Perform Ghusal (ritual bath)
- Trim nails and follow Fitrah
- Wear clean and best clothes with attar
- Walk to the Masjid and arrive early
- Listen attentively to the Khutbah
- Make sincere supplications and dua
- Send Salawat upon Prophet ﷺ
What NOT to Do on Friday
Avoid singling out Friday for acts not prescribed in Shariah, such as exclusive fasting or qiyam al-layl, unless it is part of habitual practice.
“Do not single out the night of Friday for qiyaam al-layl, and do not single out the day of Friday for fasting…” (Muslim 1144)
The Rewards of the Friday Prayer in Islam
In Islam, acts of worship are not merely rituals; they come with profound spiritual benefits and rewards from Allah. The Friday prayer, or Jumu’ah, is no exception. Rooted deeply in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith, the rewards for observing the Friday prayer span from the purification of the soul to the attainment of blessings in both this world and the Hereafter.
Conclusion
The rewards associated with the Friday prayer underscore its immense significance in Islam. It’s not merely a ritual but a potent means of drawing closer to Allah, seeking His mercy, and purifying the soul. By understanding and internalizing these rewards, believers can approach the Jumu’ah with renewed vigor, sincerity, and appreciation, ensuring they harness its full spiritual benefits.
While Islam provides allowances for those who have valid reasons for missing the Friday prayer, such as illness, travel, or genuine incapability, the consistent and willful neglect of Jumu’ah is seen as a grave shortcoming. The spiritual and communal consequences serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s relationship with Allah and the Muslim community. As with all matters in Islam, sincere repentance and a genuine return to the practice can lead to forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
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