Jummah prayer is one of the most significant prayers in Islam, held every Friday. It’s a time for reflection, unity, and spiritual growth. If you’re asking yourself how to pray Jummah, this guide will walk you through the essentials, from the Sunnah rakats to the proper etiquette. At Sabil Al Quran, we aim to provide you with a detailed understanding of Jummah prayer, ensuring that you approach it with the right knowledge and reverence.
What is Jummah Prayer and When is Its Time?
Jummah prayer, also known as Friday Salah, is a special prayer offered on Fridays during the Dhuhr timing. It starts with a Khutbah followed by two raka’hs. The time for Jummah prayer begins when the sun has passed its zenith, which is the same time as Dhuhr prayer, and continues until the Asr prayer time.
How Many Jummah Prayer Rakats?
Jummah prayer consists of two units of rakats. It takes place during the time of the Zuhr prayer, replacing the first two raka’hs with the sermon (Khutbah). The remaining two raka’hs are performed in congregation at the mosque, making it compulsory to attend the Khutbah.
Do you want to know how to make your Friday prayer more spiritual and earn its full reward? Here are the steps that will help you achieve that!
How to Pray Jummah Prayer?
The Friday Prayer (Jummah) is a significant and blessed act of worship that takes place every week. To ensure you’re prepared for this day, follow the essential steps:
1. Prepare for Friday Prayer
- Sunnah Practices: The Prophet (PBUH) recommended certain Sunnah actions before Jummah, such as performing ghusl (bathing), wearing clean clothes, applying non-alcoholic perfume, and trimming nails. Additionally, brushing your teeth with siwak is encouraged.
- Wudu (Ablution): Make sure to perform wudu before heading to the mosque, cleansing yourself as part of the preparation for prayer.
- Intention (Niyyah): Quietly make your intention in your heart before starting the prayer, to ensure your actions are sincere.
2. Arrive Early to the Mosque
- The earlier you arrive at the mosque, the more reward you will receive. As the Prophet (PBUH) said, the one who arrives first for Jummah earns the reward of sacrificing a camel, followed by a cow, a chicken, and so on. Don’t wait until the last minute!
3. Listen to the Khutbah (Sermon)
- The Khutbah is an integral part of the Friday prayer. The Imam will deliver a sermon on various religious and moral topics, so listen attentively and avoid distractions. This time is considered a part of your prayer, so silence and focus are key.
4. Perform the 2 Rakats of Jummah
- After the Khutbah, the Imam will lead the congregation in the 2 rakats of Jummah prayer. You must perform these in congregation, following the Imam’s movements.
Step-by-step process:
- Start by saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) and perform the opening prayer.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a short surah.
- Perform the ruku (bowing) and sujood (prostration), reciting the prescribed supplications.
- Repeat the same steps for the second rak’ah, concluding with the final tashahhud and peace (salaam) to the right and left.
5. Additional Friday Recommendations
- Recite Surah Kahf: It is highly recommended to recite Surah Kahf before or after Jummah prayer, as it brings great rewards.
- Blessings on the Prophet (PBUH): Sending abundant blessings upon the Prophet on Fridays holds more reward than on other days.
- What are the 2 Surah in Jummah prayer?
- In the Friday prayer, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite Surah Al-Jumu’ah and Surah Al-Munafiqun during the two rak’ahs of the prayer. This practice highlights the significance of these Surahs, as they emphasize the importance of the Friday gathering and the qualities of the believers and the hypocrites.
- Walk to the Mosque: Walking to the mosque for Jummah prayer will earn the reward of fasting for an entire year for each step you take.
What Are The Virtues Of Friday?
Friday is considered the most blessed and special day of the week in Islam, with numerous virtues highlighted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here are some key points about the significance of this day:
- Creation of Adam (Peace Be Upon Him):
Friday is the day when the Prophet Adam (PBUH) was created, entered Paradise, and was then sent down to Earth. It is also the day when the final hour (the Day of Judgment) will occur. As narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet said, “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it, Adam was created, entered Paradise, was expelled, and the final hour will occur.”
- The Special Hour of Acceptance:
There is a unique moment on Friday between Asr and Maghrib, during which Allah grants the wishes and duas of Muslims. Although the exact time is unknown, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned that this time is short and blessed, and any Muslim who prays sincerely during it will have their requests accepted.
- Friday as the Weekly Eid:
Friday is considered the Muslims’ weekly Eid, a time for communal worship and spiritual renewal. Muslims leave their work and business activities to come together for the Jummah prayer, embracing the opportunity to connect with Allah and each other. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “No one of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts (a day) before it or after it.” This signifies that Friday is a day of rest, worship, and reflection, rather than a day of fasting.
How Many Jummah Prayer Rakats For Ladies?
When it comes to Jummah prayer, there is no difference in the number of rak’ahs between men and women. If a woman attends Jummah prayer at the mosque, she performs the usual 2 rak’ahs as part of the congregation, just like everyone else.
How to Perform Jummah Prayer at Home?
When a woman prays Jummah at home, she follows a slightly modified format. Instead of the usual 2 rak’ahs that are prayed at the mosque, she should offer 4 rak’ahs, just like a regular Zuhr prayer. This adjustment is made because, at home, there is no khutbah (sermon) to replace the first two rak’ahs, and so, she must pray all 4 rak’ahs as she would for Zuhr.
In conclusion, Jummah prayer is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam, bringing Muslims together in a spirit of spirituality. Whether you are praying in the mosque or at home, it is essential to follow the correct procedure to ensure your prayer is accepted. If you’re wondering “How to pray Jummah?” make sure you understand the number of rakats and how to perform the prayer in each situation. Regularly observing Jummah prayer rewards the believer immensely and strengthens their connection with Allah.
FAQ about How to Pray Jummah
Can you pray salat al Jummah alone?
The Jummah prayer must be performed in congregation; therefore, it is incorrect to offer the Friday prayer alone.
What is mandatory in Jummah prayer?
Before attending Jummah prayer, performing ghusl (ritual purification) is mandatory. While ghusl is not required for the entire day, it is a confirmed Sunnah and part of the proper etiquette for the prayer.