Author: Al-Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (حفظہ اللہ)
Allah knows best!
Question:
After the Jumu'ah prayer, should two rak'ahs or four rak'ahs of Sunnah prayers be performed? What is the correct ruling according to Islamic teachings?Answer:
A study of the Hadith literature reveals that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sometimes performed two rak'ahs after Jumu'ah and also permitted four rak'ahs. Both options are valid, and there is flexibility in the matter.Evidence from Hadiths
- Four Rak'ahs After Jumu'ah:Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"When one of you performs the Jumu'ah prayer, let him pray four rak'ahs afterward."
(Sunan al-Nasai, Book of Jumu'ah, Hadith 1427; Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Salah, Hadith 1131; Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 523; Ibn Majah, Hadith 1132)
This narration indicates that those who wish to pray four rak'ahs after Jumu'ah are permitted to do so. However, it is not obligatory but recommended (mustahabb). - Two Rak'ahs After Jumu'ah:Abdullah ibn Umar (رضی اللہ عنہما) reported:
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray two rak'ahs before Dhuhr, two rak'ahs after it, two rak'ahs after Maghrib at home, two rak'ahs after Isha, and two rak'ahs after Jumu'ah when he returned home."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Jumu'ah, Hadith 937; Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1252; Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 522)
This narration demonstrates that performing two rak'ahs after Jumu'ah is also valid.
Conclusion from the Hadiths
From the above evidence, it is clear that:- Two rak'ahs or four rak'ahs can be performed after Jumu'ah.
- Performing four rak'ahs is more virtuous because the Hadith of Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) is a Qawli Hadith (verbal statement), while the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar (رضی اللہ عنہما) is a Fi'li Hadith (action of the Prophet). Verbal statements hold precedence over actions in Islamic jurisprudence.
Additional Recommendations
- Praying at Home Is Better:
The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged performing Sunnah prayers at home:
"The best prayer of a person is the one offered in his house, except for the obligatory prayers."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Hadith 731; Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1447; Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 450) - Avoiding Unnecessary Disputes:
This matter allows flexibility, and debates or arguments are unnecessary. Both options—two or four rak'ahs—are valid and correct. One can choose either based on personal preference.
Conclusion
Whether you perform two or four rak'ahs after Jumu'ah, both are acceptable according to the Sunnah. However, performing four rak'ahs is more virtuous. It is also preferable to perform these prayers at home rather than in the mosque, as per the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).Allah knows best!