Jummah prayer, held every Friday during Dhuhr time, starts with a sermon and includes two rakats. Preparation involves ghusl, clean clothes, and wudu. Muslims should arrive early, listen to the Khutbah, and join the congregation. Women perform two rakats at the mosque and four at home.
Friday is the most special day of the week for the Muslim Ummah. When the men and women head to the mosque on purpose to pray Jummah in a congregation, holding their prayer rugs, dressed in white or any clean and neat clothes, to participate in the warm, religious, and sincere atmosphere inside the masjid.
To live that faithful vibes, this guide will walk you through the steps of Jummah prayer, ensuring you can participate with confidence.
Table of Contents
What Is Jummah Prayer?
Jummah prayer or Friday Salah is a unique prayer performed on Fridays in the Dhuhr timing, beginning with a Khutbah (sermon) and followed by practicing 2 units of raka’hs.
When Is Jummah Prayer Time?
Jumuah prayer is offered on Fridays at noon, and its time begins when the sun has passed its zenith until the time of Asr, I.e. the same time as Dhuhr prayer.
How Many Rakats In Jummah Prayer?
The Jummah prayer consists of two units of rakats. It takes place during the time of the Zuhr prayer, replacing the first two raka’hs of Zuhr with the sermon and completing the other 2 raka’hs by performing it in congregation at the mosque, which makes the attendance at the Khutbah compulsory.
How To Get Ready For Jummah Prayer?
According to Islamic beliefs, getting ready for Jummah prayer includes both spiritual and bodily acts. Those who observe the Adab of Friday (etiquette) can embrace this auspicious day with regard and awareness by the following practices.
Here is a checklist to build up your Friday weekly routine:
1. Have A Bath (Ghusl)
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Sunnah is to take a bath (ghusl) before going to Jummah prayer. to approach the Jummah prayer in a pure state and bodily purification.
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudr reports:
I testify that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, ‘The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and also cleaning of teeth with Siwak and using perfume, if available’. [Sahih Bukhari]
Also, Allah said in the holy Quran:
“Indeed, Allāh loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
2. Clean Your Teeth With Siwak
Cleaning your teeth by using siwak (a natural toothbrush) is a highly recommended sunnah from the prophet (PBUH), to ensure your oral hygiene during Jummah prayer and the rest of the day.
In addition, you can replace the miswak with the regular toothbrush. This practice should be done to enhance your cleanliness and readiness for Friday prayer.
3. Put On Clean And Presentable Clothing
Before heading to Jummah prayer, wear clean, neat, preferably new or particular clothes for this day. This is to show respect and celebrate the weekly Eid for Muslims.
Allah said in the holy Quran:
“Put on your adornment on every occasion of prayer”
4. Put On An Oud Or Perfume (Be Sure It’s Not Alcoholic)
It is Sunnah to apply a pleasant aroma, such as oud or non-alcoholic perfume. It makes the rest of the congregation feel comfortable around you.
5. Clip Your Nails
Nail trimming is an essential part of personal hygiene and cleanliness. It’s a tiny but meaningful act and highly recommended Sunnah.
6. Recite Surah Al-Kahf
It is a great virtue to recite Surah Al-Kahf every Friday. It is said to brighten the believer from one Friday to the next.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.”
7. Send The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) Many Blessings And Durood
Blessing the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) with salaam (Salawat) and durood is an act of love and respect. Sending these blessings frequently is encouraged, particularly on Fridays.
8. Offer A Lot Of Duas In The Time Between Asr And Maghreb
There is a particular hour on Fridays between Asr and Maghreb for making duas (supplications). It is said that prayers offered during this time are especially powerful, thus now is a good time to ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and rewards.
How To Pray Jummah Prayer?
There are various essential processes involved in praying Jummah (Friday Salah), such as getting ready, listening to the Khutbah (sermon), and engaging the congregation in prayer. This is a thorough how-to:
1. Prepare For The Jummah Prayer
A. Follow The Prophet Sunnah Before Friday Prayer
It is strongly advised to follow certain Sunnah activities before attending the Friday prayer. These include practices like bathing (ghusl), brushing your teeth with siwak, dressing nicely, putting on non-alcoholic perfume, and trimming your nails.
B. Perform Wudu (Ablution)
It is essential to perform wudu steps, or ablution, prior to Jummah prayer. Wudu involves washing your hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet in a specific order.
C. State Your Intention
Declare your intention (niyyah) in your heart in silence before beginning the prayer.
2. Arrive Early To The Masjid
Try to reach the mosque early to find a decent location and take part in the Sunnah prayers before the Jummah prayer.
3. Listen To Khutbah
The Imam gives a khutbah, consisting of two parts, at the start of the Jummah prayer hour. He should cover any topic related to religion, morals, life concerns, etc.
In addition, it’s mandatory to avoid talking to others or any distractions while listening to Khutbah, as the time of Khutbah is considered as the first two units of Zuhr prayer.
4. Stand To Perform 2 Raka’hs Of Jummah Prayer
Stand on straight rows without gaps, and follow the imam during the congregational prayer; Here’s a detailed guide to learning how to pray Jummah prayer step by step:
A. Say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) at the beginning of the Takbir, followed by the opening prayer (Dua al-Istiftah).
B. Pronounce the words of Surah Al-Fatihah and a short passage from the Quran silently.
C. Say “Allahu Akbar”, bow down at the waist for the Ruku position, then recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest) three times silently.
D. As you stand up from Ruku (I’tidal position), read “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah” audibly, then in a lower voice say “Rabbana lakal hamd”.
E. Say “Allahu Akbar” and make the first prostration. Then, silently repeat three times, “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
F. Repeat “Allahu Akbar” when sitting between Sujood, and proceed to say “Rabbighfir li” (My Lord, please pardon me).
G. Say “Allahu Akbar”, head to the second Sujood, then recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
H. To begin the second Rak’ah, say “Allahu Akbar” while standing up from the last sujood.
I. Replicate the previous steps for the second raka’h of the Jummah prayer.
J. Finalize the second sujood with the Imam, set in the Jalsa position, point your index toward and recite the final Tashahhud, by saying:
“At-tahiyyatu Lillahi wa-salawatu wa’t-tayyibat, as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Allahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibad-Illah is-saliheen. ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Allahumma salli ala Muhammadiw wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammadiw wa alaa aali Muhammadin, kamaa baarakta ala Ibraheema wa alaa aali Ibraheema, innaKa Hameedum Majeed.”
K. While turning your head to the right, say “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”. Then, turn your head to the left and repeat the same.
How Many Jummah Prayer Rakats For Ladies?
There’s no difference in rakats number of rakats according to gender. If she attends a jummah prayer in the masjid, she will perform 2 rakats like other people in the mosque. However, she must offer four rakats of prayer if she prays by herself at home or in any other palace.
How To Perform Jummah Prayer At Home?
When praying Jummah at home, offer four rak’ahs rather than two, treating it like you would a regular Zuhr prayer. This change is necessary since the khutbah is the equivalent of the first two rak’ahs of the Zuhr prayer.
What Are The Virtues Of Friday?
In Islam, Friday is recognized as the most blessed day of the week and has a specific place in the religion according to many hadith that mention this distinctive day. Here are some of the key virtues of Friday:
1. Creation of Adam
Friday is the day that the prophet Adam (peace be upon him) has been created, to have entered Paradise, and to have been sent down to Earth.
Abu Huraira reported the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying:
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.
2. Special Hour of Acceptance
Every Friday, there is a unique hour that falls between Asr and Maghrib. During this time, Muslims typically offer their sincere prayers to Allah, requesting not only guidance and mercy but also other things they need in life.
Although several narratives affirm that it is the last hour after Asr prayer till Maghrib, the exact time is still unknown.
Abu Huraira reported that the prophet Muhammed said:
There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand and pray and beg Allah for what Is good but He would give it to him; and he pointed with his hand that (this time) is short and narrow.
3. Muslims’s Weekly Eid
Friday is the Muslims’ weekly Eid, when the Muslims leave their own businesses responding to the Adhan, to spend a spiritual time together in the mosque.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say:
“No one of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts (a day) before it or after it.”
Considering the fact that Muslims treat this day as a weekly ritual Eid, because they don’t fast on it.
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Conclusion
Jummah prayer, or Friday Salah, is a unique and highly significant prayer for Muslims, performed in congregation every Friday during the Dhuhr time. It begins with a Khutbah (sermon) followed by two units (rakats) of prayer, replacing the usual four rakats of the Dhuhr prayer.
Preparation for Jummah includes taking a bath (ghusl), wearing clean clothes, using perfume, and performing ablution (wudu). The Jummah prayer requires Muslims to arrive early at the mosque, listen attentively to the Khutbah, and then join the congregation for the prayer led by the Imam.
On Fridays, Muslims are encouraged to engage in various recommended practices such as reciting Surah Al-Kahf, sending blessings to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and making supplications between Asr and Maghrib.
Jummah prayer has great virtues, including being a day of spiritual gathering and prayer, a weekly Eid for Muslims, and a day when special blessings and acceptance of prayers are believed to occur. Women who attend the Jummah prayer at the mosque perform two rakats like the men, while those who pray at home perform the regular four rakats of Dhuhr prayer.
By following the outlined steps, from arriving early and listening to the Khutbah to standing in straight rows and following the Imam, You can perform this weekly duty with sincerity and devotion.
