Introduction: The Master of All Days
Friday (Jumu'ah) is not just a weekend or a day off; it is the "Weekly Eid" for Muslims, chosen by Allah for this Ummah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the Last Hour will take place on no day other than Friday." It is a weekly spiritual recharging station that wipes away the sins of the previous week and renews our covenant with Allah. Whoever neglects their Friday risks losing their light for the entire week. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Sunnahs of this great day step-by-step to gather uncountable treasures of rewards.
1. Preparation for Prayer (Purification of Body and Soul)
Venerating Friday begins with personal hygiene.
- Ghusl (Ritual Bath): It is a "Confirmed Sunnah" (Sunnah Mu'akkadah), and some scholars consider it obligatory based on the Hadith: "Ghusl on Friday is obligatory for every person who has reached the age of puberty." It purifies the body and energizes the soul for worship.
- Grooming & Perfume: It is Sunnah to clip nails, use the Siwak (toothstick) to clean the mouth, apply the best perfume (for men), and wear one's best clothes (white is preferred). You are going to meet the King of Kings in His House, so adorn yourself as you would for a special occasion.
2. Going Early to the Mosque (The Race of Millions)
This is a Sunnah that has sadly died out among many! Do you know there is a weekly "race" with unimaginable prizes?
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever takes a bath on Friday... and goes (to the mosque) in the first hour, it is as if he had sacrificed a camel (in Allah's cause); and whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he had sacrificed a cow; and whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he had sacrificed a horned ram..."
- Angels at the Doors: Angels stand at the doors of the mosques writing down the names of those who enter in order. When the Imam sits on the pulpit (Minbar), they close their scrolls and go inside to listen to the Dhikr. Do not let your name be missing from the angels' scrolls by arriving late!
3. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf (The Weekly Light)
One of the greatest acts on Friday is reciting Surah Al-Kahf during the night or day of Friday.
- The Reward: "Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays." This light is insight in the heart, guidance in actions, and protection from sins and trials (especially the trial of the Dajjal/Antichrist).
4. Sending Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ (The Presented Gift)
Friday is the day of the "Master of Mankind," so increase your Salawat (blessings) upon him.
- The Hadith: "Increase your supplications for me on Friday and the night of Friday, for your supplications are presented to me."
- The Benefit: For every Salawat you send, Allah sends ten blessings upon you, your worries are removed, and your sins are forgiven. Keep your tongue moist with it all day.
5. The Hour of Response (The Hidden Treasure)
There is a specific hour on Friday during which no Muslim servant asks Allah for something good but He grants it to him.
- When is it?: Scholars have many opinions, but the two strongest are:
1. From the time the Imam sits on the pulpit until the prayer ends.
2. (The strongest view): The last hour after Asr prayer before sunset.
- Advice: Free yourself during the last hour of Friday afternoon. Sit in your prayer place, raise your hands in Dua, for it is a time when requests are rarely rejected.
Prohibitions and Etiquettes of Friday
1. Stepping Over People: Do not hurt people by stepping over their shoulders to get to the front row. The Prophet (PBUH) saw a man doing this and told him: "Sit down, for you have annoyed (people) and come late."
2. Idle Talk During Khutbah: "If you say to your companion, 'Listen,' while the Imam is preaching, you have engaged in idle talk (Laghw)." Whoever engages in Laghw loses the full reward of Jumu'ah. Total silence and listening are required.
3. Buying and Selling: It is forbidden (Haram) to buy or sell once the Adhan for the Khutbah is called, based on the Quranic verse: "And leave trade."
Conclusion: Do Not Be Among the Heedless
Friday is the scale of the week. If your Friday is sound, your week will be sound; and if your week is sound, your life will be sound. Do not treat it as a boring routine. Feel its greatness. Perform Ghusl, go early, read Al-Kahf, send Salawat, and wait for the Hour of Response, so you may return home with a clean record and an illuminated heart.