The Importance of Jumu’ah: A Blessed Day for Muslims
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“This day [Friday] is a day of Eid, Allah Ta’ala has made it such for the Muslims. So: (1) have a bath, (2) whoever has fragrance should apply it, (3) and use the miswak.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1098)
The Special Status of Friday
Friday, known as Jumu’ah in Islam, is no ordinary day. It is a day that Allah Ta’ala has honoured and elevated above all other days of the week. Jumu’ah is described as the “weekly Eid” for Muslims — a day of gathering, spiritual reflection, and countless blessings. It is a day made sacred by Allah Himself, a gift to the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.
In a world filled with distractions and worldly concerns, Jumu’ah serves as a divine reminder to reconnect with Allah, to rejuvenate our faith, and to seek His boundless mercy.
Jumu’ah: A Weekly Festival
Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم clearly stated that Friday is like a day of Eid for the Muslim Ummah. Just as Eid days are marked by special acts of worship, purification, and happiness, so too should Friday be a day of preparation, cleanliness, and celebration in a spiritually meaningful way.
The Hadith of Sayyiduna Abdullah Bin Abbas رضي الله عنهما teaches us:
- Perform Ghusl (Bathing):
Taking a bath before attending the Jumu’ah prayer signifies physical purification, mirroring the internal purification of the heart through dhikr (remembrance) and repentance. - Apply Fragrance:
Wearing perfume is recommended to maintain a pleasant appearance and environment, especially when gathering for communal worship. Islam places great importance on cleanliness and good presentation. - Use the Miswak:
Using the miswak (a natural toothbrush) cleanses the mouth and earns immense reward. A clean mouth is loved by Allah and it enhances the dignity of the Muslim.
These acts, though seemingly simple, carry profound spiritual significance. They symbolise a Muslim’s readiness to present themselves before their Lord in the best possible state.
The Power of Salat al-Jumu’ah
The Friday prayer is no ordinary Salah. It holds a special place in Islam and is considered more virtuous than all other congregational prayers.
Allah Ta’ala commands in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
(Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9)
This verse highlights the obligation and the importance of prioritising the Jumu’ah prayer above all worldly matters. Attending Jumu’ah prayer is not just a recommendation; it is a duty upon every adult Muslim male who is able to attend.
The reward for attending the Friday prayer is immense. In one Hadith, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu’ah to the next, are expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit major sins.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Thus, Jumu’ah serves as a weekly opportunity for forgiveness, renewal, and spiritual cleansing.
Surah Al-Kahf and Sending Salutations
The blessed day of Friday is also connected to certain beloved Sunnahs that should be part of every Muslim’s routine.
1. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf
Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم encouraged the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays:
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah will have a light that will shine for him from one Friday to the next.”
(Al-Hakim)
Surah Al-Kahf brings light, guidance, and protection from the trials of Dajjal (the Antichrist). It reminds the believer of the importance of reliance on Allah, patience, humility, and steadfastness in faith.
2. Sending Salaat and Salaam Upon Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم
Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Increase your sending of peace and blessings upon me on the day and night of Friday.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
Sending abundant salaat and salaam (salutations) upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is a source of immense reward and love. It draws us closer to our beloved Messenger and brings countless blessings into our lives.
Today being Friday, let us make special effort to:
- Recite excessive Durood (salutations) on Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم.
- Read Surah Al-Kahf thoughtfully and with reflection.
- Attend the Friday prayer early, dressed neatly and fragrantly.
- Engage in dua (supplication) during the special moments when duas are accepted.
The Spiritual Impact of Jumu’ah
Jumu’ah renews the soul. It recharges the heart.
It serves as a weekly checkpoint to:
- Reflect on one’s spiritual journey.
- Make sincere repentance for past mistakes.
- Seek forgiveness and betterment.
- Reaffirm one’s commitment to Islamic principles.
Neglecting Jumu’ah is a serious matter. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم warned:
“Whoever misses three Jumu’ahs out of negligence, Allah will place a seal over his heart.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
This Hadith shows how missing Jumu’ah weakens a person’s faith. Therefore, Muslims must honour this day and make attending Jumu’ah a sacred, non-negotiable part of their weekly lives.
Practical Tips to Maximise the Blessings of Jumu’ah
Here are a few simple steps to fully benefit from this blessed day:
- Ghusl and Dress Well: Wear clean and good clothes, preferably white, as it is beloved to Allah.
- Arrive Early at the Mosque: Coming early earns greater reward.
- Listen Attentively to the Khutbah: Remain silent and focus fully on the sermon.
- Make Dua Before and After Jumu’ah: Especially during the last part of the day, a time when duas are accepted.
- Give Charity: Even a small amount of Sadaqah given on Friday carries great reward.
- Increase Dhikr and Qur’an Recitation: Remember Allah often and read from the Book of Allah.
- Forgive Others and Reconnect: Seek forgiveness and reconnect with family and friends.
A Day of Mercy, Forgiveness, and Light
Friday is not just another day.
It is a day of mercy, forgiveness, and light — a weekly opportunity to reconnect with Allah and refresh the soul.
Let us value this gift from Allah. Let us greet every Friday with joy and anticipation. Let us prepare for Jumu’ah like we prepare for Eid, with cleanliness, good character, and a heart full of gratitude.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to honour Jumu’ah in the best way, and may He shower His infinite blessings upon us every Friday and always. Ameen.