Table of Contents
Blessings of Jumu’aĥ*
Though satan will definitely make you feel lazy, revive your faith by going through this booklet thoroughly.
Excellence of Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī
The Prophet of creation, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind 
states, The one who recites Ṣalāt 200 times upon me on Friday, his 200 years’ sins will be forgiven.
Dear Islamic brothers! How fortunate we are as Allah has blessed us with the favour of Jumu’a-tul-Mubārak for the sake of His Beloved Rasūl . Regretfully, like other ordinary days, we spend even Friday heedlessly whereas it is a day of Eid, it is superior to all other days, the fire of Hell is not blazed up on Friday and the gates of Hell are not opened on Friday night. On the Day of Resurrection, Friday will be brought in the form of a bride; the fortunate Muslim dying on Friday attains the rank of martyrdom and remains safe from the torment of the grave.
A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat, Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān has said, ‘The reward of the Hajj performed on Friday is equivalent to 70 Hajj as the reward of a single virtuous deed performed on Friday is enhanced 70 times.’ (As Friday is an immensely sacred day, therefore,) The punishment of a sin committed on Friday is also increased 70 times. (Derived from Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 323, 325, 336) How words can express the excellence of Friday! By the name of Jumu’aĥ, Allah has revealed a complete Sūraĥ that is present in the 28th part of the Holy Quran. Allah has said in the 9th verse of Sūraĥ Al-Jumu’aĥ:
O you who believe! When the call for Ṣalāĥ is given on Jumu’aĥ (Friday), then rush towards the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business; this is better for you if you know. [Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)]
When did our Prophet offer his first Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ?
‘Allāmaĥ Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na’īmuddīn Murādābādī has said, ‘When the Holy Prophetwas on his way to Madīnaĥ for migration, he stopped at a place called Qubā at the time of Chāsht on Monday, 12th Rabī’-ul-Awwal. He stayed there for four days (Monday to Thursday); during the stay, he laid the foundation stone of a Masjid. On Friday, he proceeded towards Madīnaĥ. When they reached the area of the Banī Sālim Ibn ‘Awf, it was time to offer the Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ; people consecrated that place as Masjid where the Holy Prophet offered the (first) Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ and delivered a sermon. (Khazāin-ul-‘Irfān, pp. 884)
The glorious Masjid-ul-Jumu’aĥ still exists there; the visitors behold the Masjid for the attainment of blessings and offer Nafl Ṣalāĥ over there.
Meaning of the word ‘Jumu’aĥ’
The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān has stated, ‘As all the creatures assembled in their beings on this day and the completion of the creation took place on the very same day, clay for Sayyidunā Ādam was also collected on this day; similarly, people congregate and perform the Friday Ṣalāĥ on this day; therefore, it is called Jumu’aĥ on account of the aforementioned reasons. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs used to call it ‘Arūbaĥ.’ (Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 317)
How many times Holy Prophet offered Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ?
A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān has stated, ‘The Beloved and Blessed Rasūl offered almost 500 Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ as offering of Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ commenced subsequent to the migration after which the total period of the apparent life of the Holy Prophet is ten years and there are 500 Fridays in ten years’ period. (Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 346 – Lam’āt lish-Shaykh ‘Abdul Ḥaq Diĥlvī, vol. 4, pp. 190, Ḥadīš 1415)
Seal on heart
The Beloved Rasūl has said, ‘Allah will seal off the heart of the one abandoning three Jumu’aĥ’s Ṣalāĥ out of laziness.’ (Jāmi’ Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 38, Ḥadīš 500)
Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ-e-‘Ayn and its Farḍiyyat (obligation) is more emphatic than that of Ṣalāt-uẓ-Ẓuĥr; the denier of its obligation is Kāfir (unbeliever). (Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 5 – Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 762)
Excellence of wearing ‘Imāmaĥ on Friday
The Holy Prophet said, ‘Indeed, Allah and His angels send Ṣalāt upon those who wear ‘Imāmaĥ (turban) on Friday.’ (Majma’-uz-Zawāid, vol. 2, pp. 394, Ḥadīš 3075)
Cure is bestowed
Sayyidunā Ḥumayd Bin ‘Abdur Raḥmān has narrated via his father, ‘The one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah removes his disease and bless him with cure.’ (Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 65)
Protection from afflictions up to ten days
Ṣadr-ush-Sharī’aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ ‘Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad ‘Alī A’ẓamī has said: It is stated in a blessed Ḥadīš that the one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah will protect him from afflictions up to the next Friday including three more days, i.e. ten days in total. In accordance with one more narration, ‘The one trimming his nails on Friday, mercy will approach (him) and (his) sins will be removed.’ (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, part 16, pp. 226 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dulMuḥtār, vol. 9, pp. 668-669)
A cause of reduction in sustenance
Ṣadr-ush-Sharī’aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ ‘Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad ‘Alī A’ẓamī has said, ‘Although it is preferable to trim nails on Friday, yet if the nails are very long; one should not wait till Friday as growing long nails is a cause of reduction in sustenance.’ (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, part 16, pp. 225)
Angels write the names of the fortunate ones
The Beloved Prophet said, ‘At the onset of the day of Friday, the angels register the names of comers at the gateway of the Masjid. They record names in chronological order. The early comer is like the one who gives Ṣadaqaĥ of a camel in the path of Allah. The next comer is like the one who gives a cow and then the next one is like the donor of a sheep; then the next one is like the donor of a hen and then the next one is like the donor of an egg. When the Imām sits (to deliver the sermon), the angels close the Books of Deeds and come to listen to the sermon.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 319, Ḥadīš 929)
The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na’īmī has stated, ‘Some scholars have said that the angels stay (at the doors of the Masjid) from dawn whereas some other opine they stay from sunrise; the stronger opinion, however, is that they come and stay when the sun begins to decline (from zenith) because it is the instant when timing of Jumu’aĥ (Ṣalāĥ) begins.’ The foregoing narration also clearly indicates that those angels know the names of every comer. It is noteworthy that if 100 people enter the Masjid initially, they all would be regarded as the first-comer. (Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 335)
The enthusiasm for offering Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ in the first century
Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī has said, ‘During the first century, people used to proceed towards the Jāmi’ Masjid at the time of Saḥarī and after Ṣalāt-ul-Fajr holding lamps in their hands for offering Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ. There used to be so huge crowd in the streets that it would seem as if it was the day of Eid, but gradually, this spirit died out. Thus, it is said that the very first Bid’aĥ (innovation) that evolved in Islam is the abandonment of early proceeding towards the Jāmi’ Masjid.
Regretfully, the Muslims do not feel ashamed that Jews proceed towards their places of worship in the early morning on Saturday and Sunday; further, seekers of worldly luxuries also head towards the marketplace in the early morning for trading and earning wealth; so, why don’t the seekers of the Hereafter compete with such people!’ (Iḥyā-ul-‘Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 246) A Masjid where Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is offered, is called a Jāmi’ (main) Masjid.
Hajj of the poor
Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāĥ Bin ‘Abbās ‘ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet said: 
ۡ َ i.e. ‘Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is the Hajj of Masākīn (destitute).’ In another narration, it is stated:ء
i.e. Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is the Hajj of Fuqarā (poor).’ (Jam’-ul-Jawāmi’ lis-Suyūṭī, vol. 4, pp. 84, Ḥadīš 11108-11109)
Proceeding for Jumu’aĥ Ṣalāĥ early is equivalent to Hajj
The Beloved and Blessed Prophet said, ‘No doubt, there is one Hajj and one ‘Umraĥ for you on every Friday. Therefore, early proceeding for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is (equivalent to) Hajj and waiting for Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr having offered Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is (equivalent to) ‘Umraĥ.’ (As-Sunan-ul-Kubrā, vol. 3, pp. 342, Ḥadīš 5950)
Reward of Hajj and ‘Umraĥ
Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī has said, ‘(Having offered Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ) one should remain in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr and staying in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib is even more preferable.
It is said that the one who offers Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ in the Jāmi’ Masjid, stays there afterwards and offers Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr in the same Jāmi’ Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj for him, and the one who stays till Ṣalāt-ulMaghrib and offers Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib in the same Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj and ‘Umraĥ for him.’ (Iḥyā-ul-‘Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 249)
Chief of all days
The Noble Prophet has said, ‘Friday is chief of all days; it is most magnificent [among all days] in the court of Allah It is superior to even Eid-ul-Aḍḥā and Eid-ul-Fiṭr in the court of Allah. It has five particular features:
- Allah created Sayyidunā Ādam on this day.
- Sayyidunā Ādam descended upon the earth on this day.
- Sayyidunā Ādam passed away on the same day.
- On Friday, there is one such moment in which if someone prays for anything, he will be granted whatever he asked for, provided he does not ask for anything Ḥarām.
- The Judgement Day will take place on Friday. There is no such distinguished angel, the sky, the earth, wind, mountain and river that does not fear Friday.’ (Sunan Ibn Mājaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 8, Ḥadīš 1084)
Fear for the Judgement Day among animals
According to another narration, the Greatest and Holiest Prophet has said, ‘There is no animal that does not scream from dawn to sunrise every Friday out of the fear of the Day of Judgement, except man and jinn.’ (Muwaṭṭā Imām Mālik, vol. 1, pp. 115, Ḥadīš 246)
Supplications are fulfilled
The Holy Prophet said, ‘On Friday, there is one such a moment which if a Muslim gets and asks Allah for anything in that moment, Allahwill definitely grant him. That moment is very short.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 424, Ḥadīš 852)
Seek between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib
The Beloved Rasūl said, ‘On Friday, look for the moment that is desired from ‘Aṣr to the sunset.’ (Jāmi’ Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 30, Ḥadīš 489)
Saying of the author of Baĥār-e-Sharī’at
Ṣadr-ush-Sharī’aĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad ‘Alī A’ẓamī has stated, ‘There are two very strong statements concerning the instant in which supplication is fulfilled (on Friday):
- From the moment when the Imām sits for the sermon to the end of the Ṣalāĥ.
- The last instant of Friday.’ (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 754)
Which is the moment of acceptance?
The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na’īmī has stated, ‘At night there comes a moment during which supplication is answered but Friday is the only day which has such a moment during the daytime. However, it is not known for sure as to which moment it actually is. The strong likelihood is that it is either between two sermons or a short while before Maghrib.’
Commenting on another Ḥadīš, the reverent Muftī has said that there are forty different opinions of scholars regarding this moment, out of which two are the most likely; as per one opinion, it is between two sermons while, according to the other, it is at the time of sunset. (Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 319-320)
A parable
Sayyidatunā Fāṭima-tuz-Zaĥrā used to sit in her Ḥujraĥ (small room) a short while prior to sunset and would ask Fiḍḍaĥ her maid, to stand outside; as the sun begins to set, Fiḍḍaĥ would inform her about it and Sayyidaĥ would raise her blessed hands for supplication. (ibid, p. 320)
It is better to ask a concise supplication at that moment; for instance the following Quranic supplication:
One can recite Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī as well with the intention of supplication as Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī is itself a magnificent supplication. It is preferable to supplicate between both sermons by heart without raising hands and without uttering anything verbally.
14 Million & 400 thousands released from Hell every Friday
The Holy Prophet said, ‘There are 24 hours in day and night of Friday, there is not a single such hour in which Allah does not release six hundred thousand (such sinners) from Hell for whom Hell had become due.’ (Musnad Abī Ya’lā, vol. 3, pp. 291, 235 Ḥadīš 3421, 3471)
Security from grave torment
The Beloved and Blessed Prophet has said, ‘The one who dies during the day or night of Friday, he will be saved from the torment of the grave and will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement with the seal of martyrs.’ (Ḥilyat-ul-Auliyā, vol. 3, pp. 181, Ḥadīš 3629)
Sins between two Fridays forgiven
Sayyidunā Salmān Fārsī has narrated that the Holy Prophet said, ‘The one who takes bath on Friday, attains the purity (sanctification) that was possible for him, applies oil and lawful perfume available at home, heads (towards the Masjid) to offer Ṣalāĥ, does not cause separation between two people, i.e. does not sit between two people by intrusion, offers the Ṣalāĥ ordained for him and stays silent during the Imām’s sermon, his sins committed between this Friday and the previous one will be forgiven.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 306, Ḥadīš 883)
Reward of 200 years’ worship
Sayyidunā Ṣiddīq Akbar and Sayyidunā ‘Imrān Bin Ḥaṣīn ‘have narrated that the Holy Prophet said, ‘The one taking bath on Friday, his sins and misdeeds are removed; when he proceeds (to offer Ṣalāĥ) 20 virtuous deeds are written for his every step.’ (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabīr, vol. 18, pp. 139, Ḥadīš 292) According to another narration, the reward of 20 years’ virtuous deeds is written for his every step. When he finishes the Ṣalāĥ, he is given the reward of 200 years’ worship. (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsaṭ, vol. 2, pp. 314, Ḥadīš 3397)
Deeds presented to deceased parents every Friday
The Beloved and Blessed Rasūl has said, ‘(Your) Deeds are presented before Allah every Monday and Thursday whereas they are presented to the Prophets and parents every Friday. Pleased by (your) virtuous deeds, the beauty and brilliance of their faces enhance. Therefore, fear Allah and do not grieve your deceased ones by committing sins.’ (Nawādir-ul-Uṣūl lil-Ḥakīm Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 260)
Five particular rituals for Friday
Sayyidunā Abū Sa’īd has narrated that the Holy Prophet said, ‘The one who performs five deeds in a day, Allah will write (his name) amongst the dwellers of Heaven: (The deeds are as follows):
- Visiting a sick person.
- Attending a funeral Ṣalāĥ.
- Fasting
- Offering the Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ.
- Freeing a slave. (Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān, vol. 4, pp. 191, Ḥadīš 2760)
Heaven becomes due Sayyidunā Abū Umāmaĥ has narrated that the Holy Prophetsaid, ‘The one who offers Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ, fasts (on the same day), visits a sick person, participates in a funeral and attends a Nikah (marriage) ceremony, Heaven will become due for him.’ (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabīr, vol. 8, pp. 97, Ḥadīš 7484)
Avoid fasting on Friday alone
It is Makrūĥ Tanzīĥī to fast specifically on Friday or Saturday alone. However, if Friday or Saturday falls on any sacred date such as 15th Sha’bān or 27th Rajab etc., there is no harm in fasting on these days. The Noble Prophetٖ said, ‘Friday is Eid for you. Do not fast on this day unless you add another fast on its preceding or succeeding day. (Attarghīb Wattarĥīb, vol. 2, pp. 81, Ḥadīš 11)
Reward of 10,000 years’
fasts A’lā Ḥaḍrat Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān has said, ‘It is narrated that the fast of Friday together with that of Thursday or Saturday is equivalent to 10,000 years’ fasts.’ (Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ (referenced), vol. 10, pp. 653)
In which case is it Makrūĥ to observe fast on Friday?
To observe fast on Friday is not always Makrūĥ. It is Makrūĥ only when one has observed it considering Friday a special occasion for it.
Presented here is a question with its answer, extracted from page 559 of the 10th volume of the referenced Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ, regarding the issue of the fast of Friday being Makrūĥ.
Question:
What is the verdict of Islamic scholars as regards observing Nafl fast on Friday? A person observed fast on Friday but another person forced him into breaking the fast in the afternoon saying that Friday is an Eid for the Muslims and it is Makrūĥ to observe fast on this day.
Answer:
To observe fast on Friday with the intention that fasting on Friday is specifically desirable, is Makrūĥ [disapproved] but its disapproval is not strong enough to necessitate breaking the fast.
Further, if the intention of Friday was not specified, then there is no disapproval at all. If the objecting person was unaware of the Makrūĥ intention, then his objection is a silly act altogether and breaking the fast is a severe daring in matters of Sharī’aĥ. Even if he was aware [of the Makrūĥ intention], mere conveying the ruling was sufficient. There was no need at all to force the fasting person into breaking his fast and that too in the afternoon, which is not authorized to anyone except for parents provided the fast is Nafl. The one breaking the fast and the other person forcing him into breaking it – both are sinners. Qaḍā [of that fast] is obligatory for the one breaking the fast. No expiation is م .required َ
Reward of visiting parents’ graves on Friday
The Beloved and Blessed Prophethas said, ‘The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his parents on every Friday, Allah will forgive his sins and his name will be recorded as one treating the parents courteously.’ (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsaṭ liṭ-Ṭabarānī, vol. 4, pp. 321, Ḥadīš 6114)
Reward of reciting Sūraĥ Yāsīn beside the graves of parents
The Beloved and Blessed Rasūlhas said, ‘The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his deceased parents on Friday and recites Sūraĥ Yāsīn over there, will be forgiven.’ (Al-Kāmil fī Ḍu’afā-irRijāl, vol. 6, pp. 260)
Forgiveness 3,000 times
The Noble Prophet has said, ‘The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his parents on every Friday and recites Sūraĥ Yāsīn over there, Allah will bless him with forgiveness equivalent to the total number of letters in Sūraĥ Yāsīn.’ (Itḥāf-us-Sādaĥ, vol. 14, pp. 272)
Dear Islamic brothers! The one who visits the grave of either of or both of his deceased parents on Friday and recites Sūraĥ Yāsīn over there, he will be successful. there are 5 Rukū’, 83 verses, 729 words, and 3000 letters in Sūraĥ Yāsīn, if these figures are correct before Allah the reciter will get the reward of 3,000 forgiveness.
One who recites Sūraĥ Yāsīn on Friday will be forgiven
The Holy Prophet has said, ‘The one who recites Sūraĥ Yāsīn during Friday-night (i.e. the night between Thursday and Friday) will be forgiven.’ (Attarghīb Wattarĥīb, vol. 1, pp. 298, Ḥadīš 4)
Souls congregate
Since souls congregate on Friday, one should visit graves on this day; further, Hell is not blazed up on this day. (Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, p. 49) A’lā Ḥaḍrat Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān has stated, ‘The best time of visiting (graves) is the time after morning Ṣalāĥ on Friday.’ (Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ (referenced), vol. 9, pp. 523)Excellence of reciting Sūraĥ Al-Kaĥf
Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāĥ Ibn ‘Umar has narrated that the Holy Prophet said, ‘For the one reciting Sūraĥ Al-Kaĥf on Friday, Nūr (refulgence) will elevate from his feet up to the sky that will be brightened for him on the Day of Judgement and his sins committed between two Fridays will be forgiven.’ (Attarghīb Wattarĥīb, vol. 1, pp. 298, Ḥadīš 2)
Nūr between two Fridays
Sayyidunā Abū Sa’īd has narrated that the Noble Rasūlsaid, ‘The one who recites Sūraĥ Al-Kaĥf on Friday, Nūr will be brightened for him between two Fridays.’ (As-Sunan-ul-Kubrā lil-Bayĥaqī, vol. 3, pp. 353, Ḥadīš 5996)
Nūr up to the Ka’baĥ
It is stated in another narration: ‘For the one reciting Sūraĥ Al-Kaĥf on Friday-night (i.e. the night between Thursday and Friday), Nūr will be brightened from where he is present up to the blessed Ka’baĥ.’ (Sunan Dārimī, vol. 2, pp. 546, Ḥadīš 3407)Excellence of Sūraĥ Ḥā-Mīm Ad-Dukhān
Sayyidunā Abū Umāmaĥ has reported that the Holy Prophet+ said, ‘The one reciting Sūraĥ Ḥā-Mīm Ad-Dukhān on Friday or Friday-night, Allah will make a house for him in Heaven.’ (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Kabīr, vol. 8, pp. 264, Ḥadīš 8026) One more narration states that he will be forgiven. (Jāmi’ Tirmiżī, vol. 4, pp. 407, Ḥadīš 2898)
Forgiveness asked by 70,000 angels
The Holy Prophet said, ‘The one reciting Sūraĥ Ḥā-Mīm Ad-Dukhān on night, 70,000 angels will do Istighfār (ask for forgiveness) for him.’ (Jāmi’ Tirmiżī, vol. 4, pp. 406, Ḥadīš 2897)
All sins forgiven
Sayyidunā Anas Bin Mālik has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet has said, ‘The one reciting ۡ 
three times before Ṣalāt-ul-Fajr on Friday, his sins will be forgiven, even if they exceed the foam of the ocean.’ (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsaṭ liṭ-Ṭabarānī, vol. 5, pp. 392, Ḥadīš 7717) Post-Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ activities Allah has said in the 10th verse of Sūraĥ Jumu’aĥ (part 28): 
Then, when (Jumu’aĥ) Ṣalāĥ is completed, disperse in the land and seek the
grace of Allah, and remember Allah a lot, hoping that you would prosper.
Commenting on the foregoing verse, ‘Allāmaĥ Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na’īmuddīn Murādābādī has written in Khazāin-ul-‘Irfān, ‘Having offered Friday Ṣalāĥ, it is permissible for you to occupy yourselves in earning livelihood, or earn reward by acquiring (religious) knowledge, visiting the sick, attending funerals, visiting scholars or performing other such righteous deeds.’
Attending a gathering of Islamic knowledge
Attending a gathering of religious knowledge after Friday Ṣalāĥ is preferable. Therefore, Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī narrated that Sayyidunā Anas Bin Mālik has said, ‘This verse does not refer to worldly trade and business (only), rather, it refers to seeking (Islamic) knowledge, visiting brothers, visiting the sick, attending funerals and carrying out other such activities.’ (Kīmiyā-e-Sa’ādat, vol. 1, pp. 191)
Dear Islamic brothers! There are eleven preconditions for rendering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ Wājib; if either of them is not found, it will no longer remain Farḍ. However, if someone still offers it, his Ṣalāĥ will be valid; and it is preferable for a sane, adult male to offer Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ. If a minor offers Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ, it will be regarded as Nafl because Ṣalāĥ is not Farḍ for him. (Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 3, pp. 30)
11 Pre-conditions for the obligation of Ṣalāt-ul Jumu’aĥ
- Being settled in city
- Health (Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is not Farḍ for a patient. Here, patient refers to the person who cannot get to the Masjid where Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ is held or even though he can get to the Masjid, it will result in the prolongation of his disease or delay in cure. The ruling of patient applies to Shaykh-e-Fānī as well).
- Being a free person (Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is not Farḍ for a slave; his master can prevent him).
- Being a man
- Being an adult
- Being sane (the foregoing two conditions, i.e. adulthood and sanity are necessary not only for the obligation of Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ but also for every other worship).
- Having the faculty of sight
- Having the capability to walk
- Not being imprisoned
- Not having the fear of the king, thief etc. or that of any oppressor.
- Not having the valid fear of harm due to rainfall, snowfall, tornado or cold weather. (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 770-772)
Those for whom Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ but Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is not Farḍ on account of any Shar’ī exemption, are not exempted from Ṣalāt-uẓ-Ẓuĥr on Friday; such people have to offer Ṣalāt-uẓ-Ẓuĥr in lieu of Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ.
Sunnaĥs of Friday
The Mustaḥabbāt of Jumu’aĥ include proceeding to offer Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ in initial time, using Miswāk, wearing nice white clothes, applying oil and fragrance sitting in the first Ṣaf (row); while having a bath is Sunnaĥ. (Fatāwā ‘Ālamgīrī, vol. 1, pp. 149; Ghunyaĥ, pp. 559)
Time for Ghusl on Friday
Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān has stated, ‘Some scholars say that having a bath on Friday is a Sunnaĥ for Friday Ṣalāĥ, not for Friday itself, (therefore) having a bath on Friday is not a Sunnaĥ for those for whom Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is not Farḍ. According to some scholars one should have bath on Friday close to the time of Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ so that he offers the Ṣalāĥ with the same Wuḍū (made during the bath). However, the most authentic verdict is that the time for Friday’s bath starts from the break of dawn.’ (Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 334) The foregoing account also clarifies that Friday’s bath is not a Sunnaĥ for women, travellers etc. for whom Friday Ṣalāĥ is not Wājib.
Friday’s bath is Sunnat-e-Ghayr Muakkadaĥ
‘Allāmaĥ Ibn ‘Ābidīn Shāmī has said, ‘Having a bath for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is one of the Sunan-e-Zawāid; (and therefore) the abandoner of Friday’s bath will not be objected to.’ (Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 1, pp. 339)
Excellence of sitting closer during sermon
Sayyidunā Samuraĥ Bin Jundab has narrated that the Holy Prophet said, ‘Be present at the time of the sermon and sit close to the Imām because the farther a person remains from the Imām, the later he will enter Heaven, though he (a Muslim) will definitely enter the Heaven.’ (Sunan Abū Dāwūd, vol. 1, pp. 410, Ḥadīš 1108)
No reward of Jumu’aĥ
The Holy Prophet said, ‘The one who talks on Friday, whilst the Imām is delivering the sermon, is like a donkey carrying the books and at that time, the one asking him ‘keep silent’ will not be rewarded with the reward of Jumu’aĥ.’ (Musnad Imām Aḥmad, vol. 1, pp. 494, Ḥadīš 2033)
Listening to the sermon silently is Farḍ
The acts that are Ḥarām during Ṣalāĥ such as eating, drinking, greeting, saying Salām, replying to Salām and even calling someone to righteousness are also Ḥarām during the sermon as well. However, the Khaṭīb (the deliverer of sermon) can call someone to righteousness. It is Farḍ for all the attendees to listen and remain silent while the sermon is being delivered. Staying silent is Wājib even for those present so far from the Imām that they cannot listen to the sermon. If someone is seen committing any misdeed, he may be prevented either by the gesture of hand or nod of head; preventing him by uttering any word or sound is not permissible. (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 774 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 39)
Listener of sermon is not allowed to recite even Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī
If the Khaṭīb mentioned the blessed name of the Beloved Prophet during the sermon, the listeners may recite Ṣalāt- ‘Alan-Nabī in their hearts; reciting Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī verbally at that time is not allowed. Likewise, uttering ‘ ُ$ ‘ is not allowed on listening to the blessed names of companions of the Holy Prophet during the sermon. (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 775 – Durr-eMukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 40)
Listening to the Nikah sermon is Wājib
In addition to the sermon delivered for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ, it is also Wājib to listen to other sermons such as the ones delivered for Eid Ṣalāĥ, Nikah etc. (Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 40)
Trading also becomes impermissible as soon as the first Ażān is called
As soon as the first Ażān is called, it is Wājib to start making effort to get to the Masjid for offering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ; it is also Wājib to put off trading and other activities contrary to the preparations for Ṣalāt-ul Jumu’aĥ. Similarly, sale and purchase while proceeding to Masjid is also impermissible and trading in the Masjid is a severe sin. If the one having meal hears the voice of Ażān for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ and fears that he may miss Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ in case of having meal, he has to stop eating and proceed to the Masjid for offering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ. One should get to the Masjid in a dignified manner for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ. (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 775 – ‘Alamgīrī, vol. 1, p. 149 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 42)
These days, people are far away from the path of religious knowledge; like other worships, people commit sins as a result of making mistakes in listening to sermon. Therefore, it is my humble request that the Khaṭīb (deliverer of sermon) make following announcement every Friday prior to the Ażān of Khuṭbaĥ before sitting on the pulpit and earn hoards of reward:
Seven Madanī pearls of sermon
- It is stated in a Ḥadīš, ‘The one, who crosses over people’s necks on Friday, makes a bridge towards Hell.’ (Jāmi’ Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 48, Ḥadīš 513) One of the explanations of this Ḥadīš is that people will enter the Hell trampling over him. (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 761-762)
- To sit facing the Khaṭīb is Sunnaĥ of the blessed companions
- Some of our past saints said, ‘One should listen to the sermon in the sitting-posture (as one sits in Qa’daĥ), folding hands (under navel) during the first sermon and placing them on thighs during the second; he will earn the reward of offering two Rak’āt Ṣalāĥ. (Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 338)
- A’lā Ḥaḍrat Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān has said, ‘When one hears the blessed name of the Beloved Prophet during the sermon, he should recite Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī in his heart as it is Farḍ to remain silent during sermon.’ (Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ (referenced), vol. 8, pp. 365)
- It is stated in Durr-e-Mukhtār: During the sermon, eating, drinking, talking (even saying ۡ ب ُ س نَ حٰ $ 8ا ,( replying to someone’s greeting, and inspiring others towards righteousness, all are Ḥarām.’ (Durr-eMukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 39)
- A’lā Ḥaḍrat has said, ‘Walking during the sermon is Ḥarām. The reverent scholars even say that if someone enters the Masjid during the sermon, he must stop wherever he is without proceeding further as walking would be an act and no act is permissible during the sermon.’ (Fatāwā Razawiyyaĥ (referenced), vol. 8, pp. 333)
- A’lā Ḥaḍrat has said, ‘During the sermon, even looking somewhere turning the head is Ḥarām.’ (ibid, pp. 334)
An important ruling for leading Ṣalāt-ul
With regard to the leading of Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ there is an important issue about which people are quite inattentive. Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is being considered like other Ṣalāĥ and everyone is being allowed to lead Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ; it is impermissible as leading Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ is essentially the duty of the Islamic ruler or his deputy.
In the states where Islamic sovereignty does not exist, the greatest Sunnī scholar having correct beliefs should lead Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ as he is the substitute of the Islamic ruler in executing Shar’ī rulings; Ṣalāt-ulJumu’aĥ cannot be held without his permission. If there is no such scholar, the one appointed by common people can lead the Ṣalāĥ. In spite of the presence of an Islamic scholar, people cannot themselves appoint anyone else, nor can just a few people appoint someone as the Imām on their own behalf. Holding Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’aĥ in this way is not proven (in Islamic history). (Baĥār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 764)