Significance of Friday Prayers in Islam: Embracing the Virtues of Jummah

Friday prayer, or Jummah prayer, is a significant practice in Islam. Surah Al-Jumu'ah (The Congregation), which is the 62nd chapter of the Holy Qur'an, emphasizes its importance. Allah commands in verse 9, "O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, hurry towards the remembrance of Allah and leave off your trading. That is better for you, if only you knew."

The term 'juma' means gathering, and instead of the usual four rakats of the Zohar prayer, Muslims perform two rakats of the obligatory Jummah prayer in congregation at the mosque on Fridays.

Once the Adhan for the Jummah prayer is announced, Allah instructs the believers to gather in the mosque for prayer, pausing all worldly activities. Verse 10 of Surah Al-Jumu'ah states, "When the prayer is over, disperse through the land and seek Allah’s bounty. Remember Allah often so you may be successful." This verse encourages returning to daily tasks after the prayer, seeking both worldly and spiritual success.

Numerous hadiths highlight the virtues and practices of Friday. No other day receives such emphasis. Allah has specially blessed Friday, making it unique in its significance.

In a hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (R.A.), the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "Whoever bathes on Friday and arrives early at the mosque, it is as if he sacrificed a camel. The second person is like one who sacrificed a cow, the third like one who sacrificed a goat. The fourth is as if he gave a chicken in charity, and the fifth is as if he gave an egg in charity. When the imam comes out to deliver the Khutbah (sermon), the angels stop recording deeds and listen to the Khutbah." (Bukhari: 881).