Islam is a religion that has clarified and explained every matter and affair in this life and the Hereafter by showing us their basics and details. One of the many benefits of this religion is that it made the Friday congregational prayer obligatory upon every Muslim except children, slaves, travelers, women, and ill people.
This honorable day and solemn occasion is the best day of the week. It is the day on which Adam (AS) was created, admitted to Paradise, and expelled therefrom. The Day of Judgment will begin on this day as well. Many nations before us were given the chance to choose this day as their sacred day, yet the Muslims were guided to choose it. Allah commands us to praise Him and come to the remembrance of Allah (Friday sermon and prayer). He says:
“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salat (prayer) on the day of Friday (Jumu’ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allah [Jumu’ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salat (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing), that is better for you if you did but know!” (Al-Jumah 62:9)
The remembrance of Allah here means to be concerned about the Friday prayer, and what it entails and come to it with tranquility and humility. One should not ignore it or feel laziness in performing it. Those who ignore it or feel laziness in performing the Friday prayer; Allah will seal up their hearts and they will be among the heedless ones. It is narrated from Abdullah bin ‘Umar and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them), that they heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say, on the planks of his Minber (pulpit):
“People must cease neglecting Friday prayer, or Allah will put a seal over their hearts and they will truly be among the negligent.” (Muslim 865)
In another narration, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever leaves three Friday prayers, considering it insignificant, Allah will place a seal upon his heart.” (Abu Dawud 1052).
It is a tremendous loss, a great misfortune, and deprivation. A person with a sealed heart becomes incapable of doing any deed of virtue.
There are some prerequisites before going to Friday prayer and during the Friday prayer that person must come up with.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for Friday prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then offers prayers as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khubah (religious talk), his sins in between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari 883).
These are the acts of worship that train and purify the soul, refine the heart, erase the sins, and strengthen the ties between the people.
It is recommended to recite Soorat al-Kahf on Friday.
It is narrated from Abu Sa`id (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.”(As-Sunan Al-Kubra, Bayhaqi 5856)
Friday is a great day in Islam and it represents a weekly meeting in which the Muslims gather in the mosque leaving aside all worldly affairs. The Friday prayer is therefore specific with a sermon in which Imams discuss and deal with the daily problems of the Muslim community and give the best solutions to such problems in the light of Islam. The Friday prayer reflects and expresses that Islam has a great social system that teaches good manners like brotherhood, condemns disunity, and discourages evils.
Also Read: The Significance of Friday & Jummah Prayer
