How to Perform Friday Prayer?

The Friday (Jumu‘ah) prayer holds great significance in Islam. It is a weekly congregational prayer that brings Muslims together to worship Allah, strengthening bonds of brotherhood and solidarity. The Qur’an (Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah, 62:9) and authentic hadiths emphasize the importance of attending the Friday prayer and warn against neglecting it. Below is a comprehensive overview of the importance of Jumu‘ah, its timing, the sermon (khutbah), and the method of performing this prayer.

Table of Contents

How to Perform Friday Prayer?
Importance and Virtue of the Friday Prayer
Timing and Conditions
The Friday Sermon (Khutbah)
Performing the Friday Prayer
Steps of the Farḍ Prayer (Two Rak‘ahs)
Points to Consider
Social and Spiritual Aspects
Conclusion
References

Importance and Virtue of the Friday Prayer

Mention in the Qur’an
In Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah (62:9), Allah says: “O you who believe! When the call for prayer on Friday is proclaimed, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business…”
This verse clearly establishes the obligation (farḍ) of the Friday prayer.
Prophetic Practice (Sunnah)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) placed great importance on the Friday prayer, personally delivering the sermon and instructing his Companions about its significance. Authentic hadiths mention serious consequences for those who persistently neglect it (see Sahīh Muslim, Tirmidhī).
Social and Spiritual Dimensions
Jumu‘ah prayer provides a weekly opportunity for Muslims to gather, discuss communal matters, and demonstrate unity. The sermon (khutbah) offers guidance on faith and current issues, revitalizing one’s belief and moral responsibilities.
Reward and Spiritual Cleansing
Worship, supplication, and remembrance (dhikr) performed on Friday are considered especially meritorious. This prayer is a means of spiritual renewal, purification of the heart, and drawing closer to Allah.

Timing and Conditions

Timing
The Friday prayer is performed during the time of the ẓuhr (noon) prayer. In other words, it begins after the sun passes its zenith (the same time window as ẓuhr).
Location Requirement
Typically, Jumu‘ah is performed in cities, towns, or villages. According to the Ḥanafī school, there may be a minimum population requirement, but in practice, it is commonly held in mosques or designated congregational areas.
The Sermon (Khutbah) Requirement
A valid Friday prayer must include the khutbah before the prayer. The khutbah consists of two parts, separated by a brief pause.
Obligation for Men, Not Women
Most Islamic scholars agree that Friday prayer is obligatory (farḍ) for adult, sane, healthy, resident Muslim men. Women may attend if they wish, but it is not obligatory for them. If they do not attend, they perform the ẓuhr prayer instead.
General Requirements
- Proper ablution (wudu).
- Wearing clean clothing, preferably using pleasant fragrance (a Sunnah).
- Remaining attentive and quiet during the khutbah.

The Friday Sermon (Khutbah)

Structure of the Khutbah
The khutbah is delivered in two parts. In the first part, the imām typically quotes verses from the Qur’an, narrates hadiths, and provides religious guidance. Then he sits briefly, and the second part of the sermon begins.
Etiquette During the Khutbah
- Silence: It is disliked (makrūh) to speak while the khutbah is being delivered. The congregation should listen attentively.
- Focus: The khutbah often addresses both religious and social topics, so worshippers should pay close attention to derive benefit.
- Sunnah Elements: The imām begins by praising Allah, sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and quoting from the Qur’an and hadith, followed by exhortation or advice.
Supplication
At the end of the khutbah, the imām prays for the congregation. Worshippers respond internally with heartfelt “Āmīn.”

Performing the Friday Prayer

After the khutbah, two rak‘ahs of the farḍ (obligatory) Friday prayer are performed. There are also recommended (Sunnah) prayers before and after, which can vary by school of thought. Below is a general outline:

Sunnah Prayers Before the Khutbah
- In the Ḥanafī school, it is recommended (mustaḥabb) to pray four rak‘ahs before the khutbah, analogous to the Sunnah prayers before ẓuhr.
- In the Shāfi‘ī school, two or four rak‘ahs are advised, with some variation in practice.
Two Rak‘ahs of Farḍ
- Once the khutbah ends, the imām and congregation stand to perform two rak‘ahs of the Friday prayer.
- Method:
  - The imām recites Sūrat al-Fātiḥah and another short surah aloud.
  - The congregation follows silently.
  - Rukū‘ (bowing), sujūd (prostration), and other movements follow the usual pattern of ẓuhr.
- After the second rak‘ah, the imām and congregation conclude with salām to end the farḍ prayer.
Sunnah Prayers After the Farḍ
- In the Ḥanafī school, it is recommended to pray four rak‘ahs immediately after the farḍ, followed by two additional rak‘ahs, making a total of six.
- Other schools may vary, typically praying four or two rak‘ahs after the farḍ.
Example (Ḥanafī Sequence)
- Before Khutbah: 4 rak‘ahs of Sunnah (mustaḥabb)
- Khutbah: Two-part sermon
- Farḍ: 2 rak‘ahs of Friday prayer
- After: 4 + 2 rak‘ahs of Sunnah
  This can total up to 12 rak‘ahs (4+2+4+2) around the Friday prayer, though exact practice may differ regionally or by school of thought.

Steps of the Farḍ Prayer (Two Rak‘ahs)

Intention (Niyyah) “I intend to pray the farḍ of Jumu‘ah prayer for the sake of Allah, following the imām who is present.”
First Rak‘ah
- The imām says “Allāhu Akbar,” and the congregation does likewise.
- The imām recites Sūrat al-Fātiḥah and a short surah aloud.
- Rukū‘: Recite “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm” at least three times.
- Sujūd: Recite “Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā” at least three times, twice in each rak‘ah.
Second Rak‘ah
- The imām again recites Sūrat al-Fātiḥah and a short surah aloud.
- Rukū‘ and sujūd are performed similarly.
- In the final sitting, recite Tashahhud (At-Taḥiyyāt), send blessings upon the Prophet (Salli-Barik), and make any personal supplications.
- End with salām: “As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāh,” turning to the right, then left.

Points to Consider

Silence During the Khutbah
Listening to the khutbah is part of the prayer. Engaging in conversation or distractions during it is considered disliked (makrūh).
Order and Discipline
Worshippers should stand shoulder-to-shoulder in orderly rows, heeding the imām’s instructions.
Cleanliness and Fragrance
It is Sunnah to perform ghusl (Friday bath), wear clean clothes, and apply pleasant fragrance on Fridays.
Large Congregation
As a weekly gathering, the Friday prayer encourages maximum attendance, uniting the community.
Adhān and Iqāmah
Traditionally, two adhāns are called on Fridays—one at the time of ẓuhr or slightly before the khutbah, and a second just before the imām starts the khutbah (practices can vary regionally).

Unity and Solidarity: Jumu‘ah brings together people from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of brotherhood.
Education and Guidance: The khutbah addresses contemporary issues and religious teachings, offering weekly insights for the community.
Spiritual Renewal: Stepping away from daily routines to perform the Friday prayer helps recharge one’s faith and devotion.

Conclusion

The Friday (Jumu‘ah) prayer is among the most significant communal and spiritual acts in Islam. Through the sermon and two-rak‘ah congregational prayer, it serves as a weekly occasion for spiritual reflection and community bonding. Listening attentively to the khutbah, maintaining orderly rows, and observing the recommended Sunnah prayers greatly enhance the blessings of this day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of never neglecting Friday prayer, promising immense rewards for those who attend sincerely. Every Friday, Muslims around the world gather in mosques, forming rows in the presence of Allah—a blessing and a means of mercy for the entire community.

May Allah accept your Friday prayers and make this blessed day a source of guidance and grace for you.