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Jumu'ah: the Friday prayer
Friday is the best day of the week. "O you who believe, when the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade" (62:9).
The prayer
Jumu'ah replaces Dhuhr on Friday. The imam gives a khutbah (sermon) in two parts, then leads two rak'ahs with recitation aloud. It is obligatory for adult men who are resident and able; women, travellers and the sick may attend, and otherwise pray Dhuhr.
Sunnahs of Friday
- Take a ghusl, wear clean clothes and use perfume (men).
- Go early; listen to the khutbah in silence.
- Recite Surah al-Kahf (18): it gives light between the two Fridays (al-Hakim, al-Bayhaqi).
- Send many Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ.
- Seek the hour of answered dua; many scholars place it in the last hour before Maghrib.
Share a greeting
Many Muslims send "Jumu'ah Mubarak" to family and friends. Copy a Friday message or make a card.
Questions
Is Jumu'ah obligatory for women?
No. Women may attend and it counts in place of Dhuhr; otherwise they pray Dhuhr at home.
What if I miss Jumu'ah?
Pray Dhuhr (four rak'ahs). Missing it without an excuse is a serious matter; the Prophet ﷺ warned against neglecting three Fridays in a row.