There is no doubt that Friday is considered one of the most significant days in Islam. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ himself mentioned that the best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. [Sahih Muslim]
In the full version of the hadith, the Prophet ﷺ mentions, “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 (the Day of Resurrection) will take place on no day other than Friday.” (Muslim)
With a special day such as Jumu’ah comes a momentous occasion to practice some of the most neglected Sunnahs. Friday is a chance to engage in multiple acts of Sunnah which have all been prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ, yet for some reason, they have been forgotten over time.
It is on this day that Muslims from around the world leave behind all their worldly endeavours to unite and gather in the mosque. The spectacle of almost 2 billion Muslims gathering on one day in a short period of time is a symbol of how the spiritual bond ought to be between Muslims.
Whilst this happens every week, it still seems that our spiritual bond as a nation is crippling over time. There are many reasons for this, but the most crucial one is that Muslims no longer give importance to Friday the way our pious predecessors used to. It has simply become a physical ritual which contains little to no feeling, emotion or thought.
Bathing, Applying Oil and Wearing Perfume
In an effort to transform this, Muslims from around the world ought to revive the forgotten Sunnahs associated with the day of Jumu’ah. To change the way we feel about Friday and to maximise what we gain from the day, here is a hadith that encompasses all the recommended acts one should engage in on this blessed day:
“If a man takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, oils his hair or applies perfume with scent available in his house, then sets forth for the mosque (for the Jumu’ah prayer), and does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself) then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him, then remains silent when the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Going To The Mosque Early
It is also a Sunnah to go to the mosque as early as possible. In one hadith, the Prophet ﷺ remind us why this is beneficial.
“When it is Jumuah, the Angels stand at the gate of the masjid and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the masjid in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the masjid in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice); the one coming next is like one offering a cow, and then a ram; and then a chicken; and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumu’ah sermon) they (i.e. Angels) fold their papers and listen to the sermon.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Reciting Surah Kahf, Durood and The Special Hour
Another Sunnah which very often goes unnoticed by many is the act of reciting Surah Kahf on the day of Jum’uah. In one narration, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.” [Mustadrak al-Hakim]
When it comes to reciting Surah Kahf on this day, it is recommended to recite the entire Surah. However, if you are unable to do so, you can either read the first ten verses or the last ten verses. If you’re able to read more, but not the entire Surah, it is recommended to read both the first ten and last ten verses of the Surah.
It is also recommended to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ by constantly reciting the following:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ عَلَى نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it, Adam was created, on it, he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it, the shout will be made, so invoke more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me. The people asked: Messenger of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed? He replied: Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.” [Sunan Abu Dawud]
Lastly, to end the day of Jumu’ah on a positive note, be sure to cherish the last few moments as you reach the time of Maghrib. This is a special time which according to the Muslim scholar Ibn al-Qayyim is to be found after the ‘Asr prayer until the time of Maghrib. In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned, “Friday is divided into twelve hours. Amongst them, there is an hour in which a Muslim does not ask Allah for anything but He gives it to him. So seek it in the last hour after the afternoon prayer (‘Asr).” [Sunan Abu Dawud]
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
