Photo: Collected
The day of Jumu’ah brings a great opportunity for self-purification, social solidarity and attaining nearness to Allah. This specially blessed day for Muslims is not merely the day of the weekly prayer.
Regarding the status of this day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The day of Jumu’ah is the best of days. On this day Adam (peace be upon him) was created, on this day he entered Paradise, and on this day he was sent down to the earth.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 854)
For that reason, Jumu’ah cannot be seen as a mere religious ceremony; it is a focal point of Islamic civilisation. Just as certain acts have been specially encouraged on this day, certain acts have also been strictly prohibited.
What to Do on the Day of Jumu’ah
Taking a bath
The bath taken on the day of Jumu’ah is regarded as a special act of worship. On this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever takes a bath on the day of Jumu’ah, purifies himself thoroughly, then comes to the mosque, listens to the khutbah in silence and offers the prayer, his sins from one Jumu’ah to the next are forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 883)
Wearing clean clothes and using fragrance
Muslims have been encouraged to wear fine clothes and apply fragrance before setting out for the Jumu’ah prayer. In the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “On the day of Jumu’ah, it is best for you to wear fine clothes and use fragrance.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 15248)
This is a symbol of social dignity as well as spiritual purity.
Going to the mosque early
There is great virtue in arriving early for the Jumu’ah prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever goes for Jumu’ah in the first hour, it is as if he sacrificed a camel; if he goes in the second hour, he sacrificed a cow; if he goes in the third hour, he sacrificed a sheep; if he goes in the fourth hour, he sacrificed a hen; and if he goes in the fifth hour, he donated an egg.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 881)
This means that the earlier a person goes, the greater his reward.
Listening attentively to the khutbah
In this regard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever says ‘Be quiet’ to his companion while the khutbah is being delivered has also engaged in idle talk.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 934)
Talking, using a phone or being inattentive during the khutbah are all forbidden.
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf
There is special virtue in reciting Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, the time between the two Jumu’ahs will be illuminated for him.” (Mustadrak al-Hakim, Hadith: 3392)
Making supplication and reciting Durood
Within the day of Jumu’ah there is a time when supplications are accepted. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “On the day of Jumu’ah there is a moment in which, if any Muslim stands in prayer and asks Allah for something, Allah will surely grant it.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 935)
Many scholars hold that this time is from after Asr until sunset.
