The significance and practices of Jummah

The day of Jummah holds immense importance. It is referred to as the weekly Eid. The word ‘Jummah’ comes from the Arabic word ‘Jama,’ which means to gather or assemble.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“When Friday comes, the angels stand at the doors of the mosque and record the names of those who come, in order of their arrival. The one who comes first is like one who offers a camel in sacrifice, the next is like one who offers a cow, then a ram, then a chicken, then an egg. When the Imam comes out to deliver the sermon, the angels fold up their scrolls and listen to the sermon.” (Bukhari: 882)

In Islam, Jummah is considered extremely significant. The day and night of Friday are deeply sacred. Its reward and honor are equivalent to Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Many important events in Islamic history occurred on this day. Therefore, Muslims consider this day with special reverence. Many call it “the Eid of the poor.”

On Fridays, mosques are generally more crowded than on other days. People often give charity or fulfill vows on this day. In some places, sweets are distributed among worshippers after the Jummah prayer.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“There is a moment on Friday when if any Muslim is praying and asks Allah for something good, He will grant it.” (Bukhari, Hadith No. 6400)

Such is the importance of Friday in the eyes of Allah that an entire chapter in the Qur’an is named “Surah Al-Jumu’ah.” Allah says:
“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jummah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 9)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
“Friday is the weekly Eid for a believer.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1098)

In another hadith, the Prophet (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 admitted to Paradise, on it he was expelled from Paradise, and on it the Hour will be established.” (Muslim, Hadith No. 854)

The Friday prayer (Salat al-Jumu’ah) is one of the essential acts of worship in Islam. It is a day for Muslims to come together, meet each other, and pray in congregation. The Arabic word “Jumu’ah” means to gather or assemble. On this day, adult male Muslims gather at a specific time to offer this congregational prayer in place of the regular Dhuhr prayer. Although the time is the same, there are certain procedural differences between Dhuhr and Jummah prayers.

Special practices on Jummah:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Send blessings upon me in abundance on the day of Friday, for your blessings are presented to me.” (Abu Dawood, Hadith No. 1047)

According to a hadith in Tirmidhi, whoever sends one blessing (salawat) upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), Allah will send ten mercies upon that person. Therefore, along with other good deeds, we should increase our recitation of salawat on Friday.

Considering its importance, every Muslim should take full advantage of this blessed day by engaging in worship, making du’a, reciting Qur’an, giving charity, and sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).

LND/SAE