Virtues, Obligations, and Sunnahs of Friday in Islam

Source: Sermons of Ḥāfiẓ Muḥammad Isḥāq Zāhid — Compiled by: Tawḥīd.com

This article discusses the greatness, virtues, sharʿī rulings, and etiquettes of Friday (Jumuʿah). Its purpose is to clarify—through the Qur’an and authentic Prophetic aḥādīth—the importance of this day, the obligation of Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah, the severe warning for abandoning it, and the Sunnah acts related to it in detail, so that Muslims may truly benefit from the blessings of this great day and refine their worship according to the Prophetic Sunnah.

The Importance and Virtues of Friday​

Friday is the most virtuous day of the entire week. By His special mercy, Allah guided the Ummah of Muḥammad ﷺ to this day, whereas previous nations were deprived of this blessing. This day carries Allah’s special favor, great events, and immense rewards.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( نَحْنُ الْآخِرُوْنَ السَّابِقُوْنَ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 3486

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 855

Translation:
We are the last (nation) in terms of coming into this world, but we will be the foremost on the Day of Resurrection. The reason is that the people before us were given the Book, and we were given it after them. This day of Friday was made obligatory upon them, but they differed concerning it, so Allah guided us to it. Therefore, the Jews (in terms of their festival) will be on Saturday, and the Christians on Sunday.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:

(( أَضَلَّ اللّٰہُ عَنِ الْجُمُعَۃِ مَنْ کَانَ قَبْلَنَا … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 856

Translation:
Allah kept those before us away from Friday. Thus, Saturday was appointed for the Jews and Sunday for the Christians. Then Allah brought us and guided us to Friday. In this way, Friday, then Saturday, then Sunday were appointed. On the Day of Resurrection as well, they will be behind us. We are the last in this world, but we will be the first to be taken to account on the Day of Resurrection.

Friday: The Best of All Days​

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ declared Friday to be the best of all days.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( خَیْرُ یَوْمٍ طَلَعَتْ عَلَیْہِ الشَّمْسُ یَوْمُ الْجُمُعَۃِ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 854

Translation:
The best day upon which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Ādam عليه السلام was created; on it he was admitted into Paradise; and on it he was taken out of it. And the Hour (Qiyāmah) will not be established except on Friday.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

Another ḥadīth states:

(( خَیْرُ یَوْمٍ طَلَعَتْ فِیْہِ الشَّمْسُ یَوْمُ الْجُمُعَۃِ … ))

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 1046

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Friday is the best day upon which the sun has risen. On it, Ādam عليه السلام was created; he was sent down to the earth; his repentance was accepted; and on it he passed away. On it the Hour will be established. Every animal trembles from morning until sunrise out of fear of the Hour—except jinn and mankind. And on this day there is an hour such that if a Muslim servant, while in prayer, asks Allah for something, Allah grants it to him.

Friday: A Day of ʿĪd​

Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( إِنَّ ہٰذَا یَوْمُ عِیْدٍ جَعَلَہُ اللّٰہُ لِلْمُسْلِمِیْنَ … ))

Reference: Sunan Ibn Mājah: 1098

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Indeed, this is a day of ʿĪd which Allah has appointed for the Muslims. So whoever comes for Friday, let him perform ghusl. If perfume is available, let him apply it, and let him use the siwāk.

These aḥādīth make it clear that Friday is not only a day of worship, but also a tremendous blessing, a spiritual ʿĪd, and a day of special rewards for the Ummah of Muḥammad ﷺ.

The Obligation of Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah and Its Emphasis​

The greatest and most important duty of Friday is Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah. It is an individual obligation (farḍ ʿayn) upon every Muslim man who is sane, mature, resident, and capable of performing it. Its obligation is clearly established through both the Qur’an and authentic aḥādīth.

Proof from the Qur’an​

Allah the Exalted says:

﴿یَا أَیُّہَا الَّذِیْنَ آمَنُوْا إِذَا نُوْدِیَ لِلصَّلَاۃِ مِنْ یَّوْمِ الْجُمُعَۃِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلٰی ذِکْرِ اللّٰہِ وَذَرُوْا الْبَیْعَ ذٰلِکُمْ خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ إِنْ کُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ﴾

Reference: Sūrah al-Jumuʿah: 9

Translation:
O you who believe! When the call is made for prayer on the day of Friday, hasten to make remembrance of Allah, and leave off trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse contains a clear command that after the adhān of Friday, all buying and selling must be abandoned and حضور (attendance) for Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah becomes obligatory—thereby clearly establishing its obligation and importance.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

Ṭāriq bin Shihāb رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( اَلْجُمُعَۃُ حَقٌّ وَاجِبٌ عَلٰی کُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ فِیْ جَمَاعَۃٍ إِلَّا أَرْبَعَۃً … ))

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 1067

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Friday prayer in congregation is a right and an obligation upon every Muslim—except four: the slave, the woman, the child, and the sick person.

From this ḥadīth it is understood that Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah:
✔ is obligatory
✔ is to be performed in congregation
✔ and certain individuals (woman, child, sick person, slave) are exempt

Likewise, Friday prayer is not obligatory upon a traveler, and there is consensus of the Ummah upon this.

Severe Warning for Abandoning Friday Prayer​

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned severe warnings for those who abandon Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah without a sharʿī excuse.

Ḥadīth of the Messenger ﷺ​

Abū al-Jaʿd al-Ḍamrī رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( مَنْ تَرَکَ ثَلَاثَ جُمَعٍ تَہَاوُنًا بِہَا طَبَعَ اللّٰہُ عَلٰی قَلْبِہٖ ))

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 1052

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Whoever leaves three Friday prayers out of negligence and carelessness, Allah will place a seal upon his heart.

Ibn ʿUmar and Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنهما narrate that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( لَیَنْتَہِیَنَّ أَقْوَامٌ عَنْ وَدْعِہِمُ الْجُمُعَاتِ أَوْ لَیَخْتِمَنَّ اللّٰہُ عَلٰی قُلُوْبِہِمْ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 865

Translation:
People must stop abandoning Friday prayers, otherwise Allah will surely seal their hearts, then they will become among the heedless.

An Extremely Severe Warning​

ʿAbdullāh رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( لَقَدْ ہَمَمْتُ أَنْ آمُرَ رَجُلًا یُّصَلِّیْ بِالنَّاسِ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 652

Translation:
I considered ordering a man to lead the people in prayer, then I would go and burn the houses of those who do not attend Friday prayer.

These narrations clearly show that abandoning Friday prayer is not a minor sin; rather, it can become dangerous for one’s faith.

Condition of Congregation for Friday Prayer​

From these aḥādīth it is also established that:

◈ Performing Friday prayer individually is not correct.
◈ If a person misses Friday prayer, he must pray four rakʿahs of Ẓuhr.

Etiquettes of Friday​

➊ Ghusl for Friday​

Among the etiquettes of Friday, the most important is ghusl.

Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( إِذَا أَرَادَ أَحَدُکُمْ أَنْ یَّأْتِیَ الْجُمُعَۃَ فَلْیَغْتَسِلْ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 877

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 844

Translation:
When any one of you intends to come for Friday, he should perform ghusl.

Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( غُسْلُ یَوْمِ الْجُمُعَۃِ وَاجِبٌ عَلٰی کُلِّ مُحْتَلِمٍ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 879

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 846

Translation:
Ghusl on Friday is obligatory upon every adult.

Remaining Etiquettes of Friday​

➋ Applying Perfume and Wearing the Best Clothes​

From the etiquettes of Friday are applying perfume and wearing clean, good clothing, so that no one is harmed in the mosque and the gathering remains pleasant.

Salman al-Fārsī رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( لَا یَغْتَسِلُ رَجُلٌ یَوْمَ الْجُمُعَۃِ، وَیَتَطَہَّرُ مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ طُہْرٍ، وَیَدَّہِنُ مِنْ دُہْنِہٖ، أَوْ یَمَسُّ مِنْ طِیْبِ بَیْتِہٖ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 883

Translation:
No man performs ghusl on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, applies oil or uses perfume from his home, then goes to the mosque and does not separate between two people, then prays what is written for him, and remains silent when the imām delivers the sermon—except that his sins between that Friday and the next Friday are forgiven.

➌ Not Stepping Over People’s Necks​

Stepping over the necks of people already seated in the mosque to move forward is a severely disliked act and causes harm to others, and there is fear that it may diminish the reward of Friday.

Emphasis on Silence During the Friday Sermon​

Remaining completely silent during the Friday sermon is obligatory—so much so that even telling someone else to be quiet is considered laghw (vain talk).

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( إِذَا قُلْتَ لِصَاحِبِکَ یَوْمَ الْجُمُعَۃِ أَنْصِتْ وَالْإِمَامُ یَخْطُبُ فَقَدْ لَغَوْتَ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 934

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 851

Translation:
If on Friday you say to your companion, “Be quiet,” while the imām is delivering the sermon, then you have committed laghw (vain talk).

Outcome of Laghw​

ʿAbdullāh bin ʿAmr bin al-ʿĀṣ رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( مَنْ لَغَا وَتَخَطَّی رِقَابَ النَّاسِ کَانَتْ لَہُ ظُہْرًا ))

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 347

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Whoever engages in laghw and steps over people’s necks, his Friday prayer will be counted as Ẓuhr.

Virtue of Coming Early for Friday​

Coming early to the mosque on Friday is a means of great reward.

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( مَنِ اغْتَسَلَ یَوْمَ الْجُمُعَۃِ غُسْلَ الْجَنَابَۃِ، ثُمَّ رَاحَ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 881

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 850

Translation:
Whoever performs ghusl on Friday like the ghusl of janābah, then goes in the first hour, it is as though he sacrificed a camel. If he goes in the second hour, it is as though he sacrificed a cow. In the third, as though he sacrificed a horned ram. In the fourth, as though he sacrificed a chicken. In the fifth, as though he sacrificed an egg. When the imām comes out, the angels attend to listen to the sermon.

The Registers of the Angels​

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( إِذَا کَانَ یَوْمُ الْجُمُعَۃِ کَانَ عَلٰی کُلِّ بَابٍ مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْمَلَائِکَۃُ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 929

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 850

Translation:
On Friday, angels stand at every door of the mosque, writing the names of those who come in order. When the imām sits (to begin), they fold up their scrolls and come to listen to the sermon.

Ruling of Taḥiyyat al-Masjid​

Upon entering the mosque for Friday prayer, two rakʿahs of taḥiyyat al-masjid are necessary, even if the sermon has already begun.

Jābir bin ʿAbdullāh رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( دَخَلَ رَجُلٌ یَوْمَ الْجُمُعَۃِ وَالنَّبِیُّ ﷺ یَخْطُبُ … ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 931

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 875

Translation:
A man entered the mosque on Friday while the Prophet ﷺ was delivering the sermon. He ﷺ said: “Have you prayed?” He said: “No.” He ﷺ said: “Pray two rakʿahs.”

The Blessed Hour of Acceptance of Duʿā’ on Friday​

A great distinction of Friday is that within it there is a blessed hour in which duʿā’ is not rejected.

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned Friday and said:

(( فِیْہِ سَاعَۃٌ لَا یُوَافِقُہَا عَبْدٌ مُسْلِمٌ وَہُوَ قَائِمٌ یُّصَلِّیْ یَسْأَلُ اللّٰہَ تَعَالٰی شَیْئًا إِلَّا أَعْطَاہُ إِیَّاہُ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 935

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 852

Translation:
On Friday there is an hour such that if a Muslim servant, while standing in prayer, asks Allah for something, Allah grants it to him.

The Prophet ﷺ indicated with his hand that this hour is very brief.

Which Hour Is It?​

Different authentic aḥādīth mention this:

First narration​

Abū Mūsā al-Ashʿarī رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( ہِیَ مَا بَیْنَ أَنْ یَّجْلِسَ الْإِمَامُ إِلٰی أَنْ تُقْضَی الصَّلَاۃُ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 853

Translation:
It is the time between when the imām sits on the pulpit until the prayer is completed.

Second narration​

Jābir bin ʿAbdullāh رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( فَالْتَمِسُوْہَا آخِرَ سَاعَۃٍ بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ ))

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 1048

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Seek it in the last hour of the day after ʿAṣr.

Narration of ʿAbdullāh bin Salām رضي الله عنه​

(( ہِیَ آخِرُ سَاعَۃٍ مِنْ سَاعَاتِ النَّہَارِ ))

Reference: Sunan Ibn Mājah: 1139

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
It is the last hour of the day.

The Companions رضي الله عنهم were also agreed that this hour occurs at the end of the day on Friday.

Reference: Zād al-Maʿād: 1/379

Scholarly Views​

Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar رحمه الله mentioned forty opinions regarding this issue.

Reference: Fatḥ al-Bārī

Imām Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله regarded two opinions as strongest:

① From the imām sitting on the pulpit until the end of the prayer
② The last hour of the day after ʿAṣr

And he considered the second view more correct.

Reference: Zād al-Maʿād: 1/378

Therefore, special care should be given to duʿā’ in both of these times.

Sunnah Prayers After Friday​

No emphasized Sunnah is established before Friday prayer; however, after it, Sunnah prayers are established.

Practice of the Messenger ﷺ​

Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( وَکَانَ لَا یُصَلِّیْ بَعْدَ الْجُمُعَۃِ حَتّٰی یَنْصَرِفَ فَیُصَلِّیْ رَکْعَتَیْنِ ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 937

,

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 882

Translation:
The Prophet ﷺ would not pray any prayer in the mosque after Friday until he left, then he would pray two rakʿahs at home.

Command for the Ummah​

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

(( مَنْ کَانَ مِنْکُمْ مُصَلِّیًا بَعْدَ الْجُمُعَۃِ فَلْیُصَلِّ أَرْبَعًا ))

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 881

Translation:
Whoever among you prays after Friday, let him pray four rakʿahs.

In one narration it is mentioned: if one is in a hurry, then two rakʿahs in the mosque and two at home.

Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 881

From these narrations it is understood:

❀ It is permissible to pray four rakʿahs in the mosque.
❀ Or two in the mosque and two at home.
❀ Or only two rakʿahs at home is also Sunnah.

How to Attain Friday Prayer​

To attain Friday prayer, it is necessary that at least one rakʿah is caught with the imām.

Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrates:

(( مَنْ أَدْرَکَ مِنَ الْجُمُعَۃِ رَکْعَۃً فَلْیُصَلِّ إِلَیْہَا أُخْرٰی ))

Reference: Sunan Ibn Mājah: 1121

(Authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
Whoever catches one rakʿah of Friday prayer should add another rakʿah to it.

If one joins after the rukūʿ of the second rakʿah, then Friday is missed, and four rakʿahs of Ẓuhr must be prayed.

Conclusion​

The Muslim who understands the virtues of Friday and remains consistent in Ṣalāh al-Jumuʿah—performing ghusl, applying perfume, arriving early, listening silently to the sermon, and maintaining duʿā’ and ṣalawāt—attains immense goodness in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to fulfill the rights of Friday and act upon the Prophetic Sunnah. Āmīn.