(1) Muslims should have a weekly holiday on Friday for bathing, cleaning, remembrance and worship, and social interaction
Because Allah Almighty has chosen this day for the Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
نحن الآخرون ونحن السابقون يوم القيامة ، بيد أن كل أمة أوتيت الكتاب من قبلنا وأوتيناه من بعدهم ، ثم هذا اليوم الذى كتبه الله علينا ، هدانا الله له ، فالناس لنا فيه تبع اليهود غدا والنصارى بعد غد»
“We are the last nation but will be the first on the Day of Resurrection. It is a fact that all nations were given the scripture before us and we received it after them. Then this day (Friday) has been specially appointed by Allah for us. Allah has granted us this privilege. Others follow us in this matter. The Jews have their day on Saturday and the Christians on Sunday.”
(2) It is obligatory for every sane, adult, free, resident, and healthy man to attend Friday prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
الجمعة على من سمع النداء»
“Whoever hears the call to prayer, Friday prayer becomes obligatory upon him.”
In another hadith, he said:
على كل محتلم رواح الجمعة وعلى من راح إلى الجمعة الغسل»
Al-Albani has authenticated this hadith.
“It is obligatory for every adult to attend Friday prayer, and whoever attends Friday prayer should perform ghusl (ritual bath).”
In another hadith, this ruling is stated even more clearly:
رواح الجمعة واجب على كل محتلم»
Al-Albani has graded this hadith as Sahih.
“Attending Friday prayer is obligatory upon every adult.”
(3) However, some individuals have been exempted from this ruling.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
الجمعة حق واجب على كل مسلم فى جماعة ، إلا أربعة: مملوك و امرأة و صبي و مريض»
Apart from Allama Albani, Imam Hakim (may Allah have mercy on him) and Imam Al-Dhahabi also declared this hadith authentic.
“It is obligatory upon every Muslim to attend the congregational Friday prayer, except for four types of people: a slave, a woman, a child, and a sick person.”
In light of this hadith, it can be said that any person who is compelled or engaged in an essential and obligatory duty is not required to attend Friday prayer. Based on the above hadith and other evidences from Shariah, scholars have exempted the following individuals from the obligation of Friday prayer:
◈ Slave and prisoner: Unless the owner or prison administration arranges it for them.
◈ Woman: If she attends Friday prayer, it is permissible and even preferable; if she does not attend, it is not sinful.
◈ Child: A child under seven years of age is not obligated to perform even the regular prayers.
◈ Sick person: If it is possible for them to come on their own or be brought by someone, they should attend; otherwise, it is not obligatory.
◈ A person who is troubled by the need to urinate or defecate should first fulfill that need; if they then manage to attend Friday prayer, it is better, otherwise there is no sin.
◈ A person who is troubled by hunger and has food available and can benefit from eating should eat first; if they then attend Friday prayer, well and good, otherwise they are excused.
◈ A person who fears loss of life, separation from companions, or any kind of harm by attending Friday prayer.
◈ When the time of death of a close relative or friend is near and the person is with them.
◈ If the person fears for their life, for example from robbers, wild animals, or police, etc.
◈ If a person avoids attending Friday prayer to escape the oppression of a tyrannical ruler, it is not sinful.
◈ If a creditor is searching for the person and they have no means to repay, and there is also a risk that the creditor will mistreat or harm them.
◈ Severe drowsiness, whether caused by fatigue, illness, or long travel.
◈ Difficulty in leaving the house due to rain or mud.
◈ Severe cold wind that is both painful and harmful.
One reason for excusing these people is a principle of jurisprudence which states:
If fulfilling a command causes hardship, an easier way should be found for that command, because Allah Almighty says:
فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُم»
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
Elsewhere He says:
لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها»
“Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
إذا أمرتكم بأمر فأتوا منه ما استطعتم»
“When I command you to do something, do as much of it as you can.”
(4) On Friday, if there is heavy rain or it is difficult to reach the mosque due to mud, etc., permission is granted to pray at home
And in the Adhan, instead of حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ», صَلُّوا فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ» will be called.
Hazrat Abu Al-Maleeh narrates from his father that he was with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah journey. On Friday, it rained (so lightly) that even the soles of people’s shoes did not get wet. On this occasion, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed them to pray at their respective camps.
Another narration confirms this meaning. Hazrat Abdullah bin Al-Harith narrates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) told the Mu’adhdhin on a rainy day: When you have said أَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ», do not say حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ», but say صَلُّوا فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ». Consequently, the common people disliked this. Then Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said: One better than me (the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) did the same. Indeed, performing Friday prayer is obligatory, but I also do not like to force you out of your homes and then have you come walking through mud and rain.
(5) If Eid also falls on Friday, then after performing the Eid prayer, Friday prayer becomes optional.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
اجتمع عيدان فى يومكم هذا ، فمن شاء أجزاه من الجمعة ، وإنا مجمعون إن شاء الله»
The hadith is authentic. Another hadith with the same meaning was narrated by Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (RA), referenced in Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Prayer, Hadith 1070:
“Today your two Eids have coincided. Whoever wishes, the Eid prayer will suffice for him instead of the Friday prayer, but we, InshaAllah, will definitely perform the Friday prayer.”
Another narration confirms the same meaning. Hazrat Ata bin Abi Rabah narrates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) led us in Eid prayer at the beginning of the time on Friday, then when we reached the mosque to perform the Friday prayer, he did not come. We performed the prayer without him. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) was in Taif at that time; when he came and we narrated the entire incident to him, he said: “He acted according to the Sunnah.”
(6) The time for Friday prayer is the same as the time for the Zuhr prayer; however, it will be performed at the very beginning of this time. And if the sermon is delivered before the sun reaches its zenith, there is no harm in that.
Hazrat Salamah bin Al-Akwa رضي الله عنه narrates:
كنا نصلي مع رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم الجمعة ثم ننصرف وليس للحيطان ظل نستظل فيه»
“We used to perform Jumu’ah prayer with the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, and on the way back, there was not even enough shade from the walls for us to benefit from.”
In another narration, it is stated:
كنا نجمع معه صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا زالت الشمس ثم نرجع نتتبع الفيء»
“After the sun had declined, we used to perform Jumu’ah prayer with you, and when we returned, we were in search of shade.”
Another narration clarifies that the Jumu’ah prayer during the time of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was performed very early.
Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’d رضي الله عنه narrates:
ما كنا نقيل ولا نتغدى إلا بعد الجمعة»
“We used to have lunch (ghada) only after the Jumu’ah prayer, and after that, we would rest at noon.”
It should be noted that among the Arabs, there was no custom of breakfast; rather, the meal eaten around ten or eleven o’clock was called ghada (lunch). However, on Fridays, this meal was kept until after the prayer. Therefore, Jumu’ah was performed very early so that people could have their lunch and rest.
(7) The Friday prayer consists of two rak’ahs and it is always performed in congregation. However, if someone manages to join the imam for one rak’ah, they should complete their prayer by joining the second rak’ah.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من أدرك ركعة من الجمعة أو غيرها فليضف إليها الأخرى ، فقد تمت صلاته»
“Whoever catches one rak’ah of the Friday or other prayers should join the second rak’ah with it, and their prayer will be complete.”
This has been the common practice among the Ummah, and the majority of jurists and scholars hold this ruling. From this, it is understood that the Friday sermon (khutbah) is not a condition, although it has many virtues.
(8) Whether in a village or a city, Friday prayer is permissible everywhere.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates:
إن أول جمعة جمعت بعد جمعة فى مسجد رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم فى مسجد عبد القيس بجواثى من البحرين»
“After the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), the first Friday prayer was held in the mosque of Abdul Qais, which was located in Jawatha in Bahrain.”
It should be noted that in ancient times, the eastern province of Saudi Arabia was called Bahrain, and this area was then part of present-day Saudi Arabia. The place called Jawatha is now known as “Al-Hofuf,” and the mosque is still located at its historical site. It has been recently renovated. After the Quba Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, this is the third historical mosque in Islam.
In light of the above hadith, a large number of scholars hold the opinion that the number of worshippers is not a condition for Friday prayer; rather, wherever any number of worshippers gather, they can perform the Friday prayer. Since there is a difference of opinion on this matter, there is room for leniency.
(9) The additional call to prayer before the time of Jumu’ah can be given at any time and anywhere. In other words, it is the announcement of the preparation for the prayer.
Hazrat As-Saib bin Yazid رضي الله عنه narrates:
إن الأذان يوم الجمعة كان أوله حين يجلس الإمام يوم الجمعة على المنبر فى عهد رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ، وأبي بكر وعمر ، رضي الله عنهما ، فلما كان فى خلافة عثمان بن عفان رضی اللہ عنہ وكثروا أمر عثمان يوم الجمعة بالأذان الثالث ، فأذن به على الزوراء . فثبت الأمر على ذلك»
“The first call to prayer on the day of Jumu’ah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه, and Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه was made when the Imam sat on the pulpit for the Jumu’ah sermon. Then, when the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman رضي الله عنه came and the number of people increased, Hazrat Uthman رضي الله عنه ordered the third call to prayer on the day of Jumu’ah. Consequently, the call to prayer began to be given at the house of Al-Zawra in the market of Medina, and this practice continued thereafter.”
Note: The adhan given before the time of Jumu’ah is considered the third adhan in the sense that the adhan given after the Imam sits on the pulpit is called the first, and the iqamah is permissibly called the second adhan, and the very first adhan is called the third adhan.
(10) If a worshiper feels sleepy while sitting, he should change his place.
This way, the sleep will go away and he will be able to benefit properly from the time. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إذا نعس أحدكم يوم الجمعة فليتحول من مجلسه ذلك قال أبو عيسى هذا حديث حسن صحيح»
Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on him) graded this hadith as Hasan Sahih. Also, Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Prayer, Chapter on a man who dozes off and the Imam is delivering the sermon, Hadith 1119
“When any of you feels drowsy on the day of Jumu’ah, he should change his place.”
(11) Similarly, if a worshiper feels the sun’s heat while sitting, he should change his place and move to the shade.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Abu al-Qasim (peace be upon him) said:
إذا كان أحدكم فى الشمس فقلص عنه الظل وصار بعضه فى الشمس وبعضه فى الظل فليقم»
Allama Al-Albani has declared this hadith authentic.
“When any one of you finds himself in the sun, meaning that due to the shrinking of the shade, part of him is in the sun and part in the shade, he should move from there.”
In another narration, the command is as follows: Hazrat Qais’s father narrates that: “I came while the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was delivering a sermon and I stood in the sun. He (peace be upon him) commanded me, so I moved to the shade.”
(12) There is no harm in traveling on Friday
Especially when collective travel resources are not under a person’s control, such as traveling by airplane, train, bus, etc. However, if it is individual travel, meaning one arranges their own ride, then try not to miss Friday prayer, but if necessary or due to circumstances, traveling on Friday is not objectionable. Hazrat Al-Hakam bin Muqsim narrates from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that:
بعث رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم عبد الله بن رواحة فى سرية ، فوافق ذلك يوم الجمعة ، قال: فتقدم أصحابه وقال: أتخلف فأصلي مع النبى صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم الجمعة ثم الحقهم ، قال فلما صلى رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم رآه ، قال: ما منعك أن تعدو مع أصحابك؟ قال فقال: أردت أن أصلي معك الجمعة ثم ألحقهم ، قال فقال رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم: لو أنفقت ما فى الأرض ما أدركت غدوتهم»
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (may Allah be pleased with him) on a mission. The day of departure was Friday, and his companions went ahead. Hazrat Abdullah said: I thought I would stay and perform the Friday prayer with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and then join my companions. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prayed, he saw him in prayer and asked: “Why did you not leave with your companions in the morning?” Hazrat Abdullah replied: “My intention was to perform the Friday prayer with you and then join my companions.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whatever wealth and goods you spend in the way of Allah on earth, you will still not reach the status and rank of your companions.”
Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a man who had prepared for travel and was saying that if it were not Friday today, he would have set out for travel. Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “You may set out on travel; Friday does not prevent anyone from traveling.”
Some narrations mention that whoever travels on Friday is cursed by the angels of Allah or receives evil prayers. All such narrations are weak and unreliable and should not be trusted. For further details, see Nayl al-Awtar vol. 2, pp. 272-273, published by Dar Zamzam, Riyadh.
It is necessary and preferable to perform ghusl (ritual bath) on Friday, and if there is a bad odor from the body, it becomes obligatory and of the level of fard (compulsory). However, under normal circumstances, performing wudu (ablution) is sufficient. Still, ghusl is preferable. Hazrat Samurah bin Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من توضأ يوم الجمعة فيها ونعمت ، ومن اغتسل فالغسل أفضل»
Allama Al-Albani graded this hadith as Hasan (good).
“Whoever performs wudu on Friday, it is valid and good, and whoever performs ghusl, ghusl is better.”
A hadith with similar meaning narrated from Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) is present in Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Establishing Prayer, chapter number 81, with an authentic chain. Therefore, one should make every effort to perform ghusl before attending Friday prayer, but if there is a necessity or compulsion, wudu alone is sufficient.
