Did you know that Friday is considered the best day of the week in Islam? Yes, it is. It is a day filled with blessings and opportunities for us to grow in our Deen. We are going to discuss some important sunnah acts on Friday that are recommended to do, in order to maximize the benefits of this blessed day.
For us Muslims, we should know that Friday is an Eid (Festive) of the week and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged us to engage in the specific sunnah of Jumuah that elevates our connection with Allah and brings more reward.
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah has made this day of Friday a celebration for the Muslims. Whoever comes to Friday prayer, let him bathe himself, apply perfume if he has it, and use the toothstick.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 1098)
By observing some of these sunnah acts on Friday, they could draw immense blessings to you, draw you closer to Allah, and purify your heart. Indeed, Friday is the best day of the week as said by our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. Adam was created on Friday and on it he entered Paradise...” (Sahih Muslim)
“The five (daily) prayers, Friday prayer to the next Friday prayer, and Ramadan to the next Ramadan are expiation of the sins committed between them, so long as major sins are avoided
(Sahih Muslim)
Therefore, embracing the sunnah acts on Friday can bring special rewards from Allah to you. Now let’s discuss five Sunnah acts on Friday that can help us make Jumuah meaningful and blessed.
Essential Sunnah of Jumuah to Follow: Practical Sunnah Acts on Friday
Observing the sunnah acts on Friday brings a lot of benefits which we should try as much as we can to do. They also help to purify us, enhance our worship, and approach Allah with sincerity. Engaging in these sunnah acts on Friday as our weekly routine will not only strengthen our faith but allow us to fully honor this blessed day too.
1. Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
One of the core Sunnah acts on Friday is performing Ghusl, a ritual bath that represents purity and total preparation for Jumuah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of Ghusl on Fridays, highlighting the benefits of observing this sunnah of Jumuah, i.e. being in a state of cleanliness when coming to Friday Prayer.
He said, “Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday and goes early to the mosque, it is as if he sacrificed a camel” (Sahih Bukhari).
In another naration:
Whoever performs Wudu on Friday, then he will receive the blessing, and whoever performs Ghusl (ablution) then Ghusl is more virtuous. (Tirmidhi)
Imagine if someone observes this sunnah, he will be rewarded like someone who uses a camel for sacrifice. Also, the second hadith states that you will receive the blessing of performing the ablution but when you perform the ghusl, that is more virtuous. Who wouldn’t like this? Let’s try to embrace this sunnah of Jumuah please.
2. Applying Perfume and Dressing Well
Another recommended sunnah among the sunnah acts on Friday is to wear clean, presentable clothing and apply perfume. In fact, we should always be neat and clean before coming to worship our Lord as Allah said that He is Pure.
And Allah says in the Quran, “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:31), reminding us to come to worship in a dignified and respectful manner.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also emphasized this further, saying,
“(When one of you has wealth, he should keep two garments for Friday, other than the two garments he has for his daily wear.) Ibn Majah
In Islam, Friday is regarded as a weekly Eid, a day of joy, where Muslims gather as one community to worship. Dressing well and applying perfume demonstrate respect for the sacred day, Jumuah. This Sunnah of Jumuah brings the beauty of cleanliness and modesty into our lives, aligning us with the spirit of Friday by presenting ourselves in a way that pleases Allah and shows respect for the gathering of believers.
3. Using Miswak to Clean Your Teeth
The use of Miswak (toothstick) is among notable sunnah acts on Friday. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Verily, Allah has made this day of Friday a celebration for the Muslims. Whoever comes to Friday prayer, let him bathe himself, apply perfume if he has it, and use the toothstick” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 1098).
The Miswak (toothstick) is highly praised in Islam for its cleanliness and is known to have been regularly used by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) before prayer. Incorporating the Miswak into our Sunnah acts on Friday allows us to follow the Prophet’s example and using miswak serves as a natural and effective tool for our oral hygiene too.
4. Early Arrival for Jumuah Prayer
Arriving early for Jumuah prayer is highly encouraged. This practice allows one to find a good spot close to Imam, and prepare mentally and spiritually for the Khutbah (sermon). It does not only demonstrates eagerness and dedication in following Allah’s command but also increases one’s opportunity to gain rewards.
Allah says:
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.
Al-Quran 62:9
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also illustrated the reward in going to Jumuah early in his by saying,
Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday – the Ghusl for Janabah – then he goes, he is like one who gave a camel in charity. Whoever goes in the second hour then he is like one who gave a cow in charity. Whoever goes in the third hour then he is like the one who have a ram in charity.
Whoever goes in the fourth hour then he is like the one who gave a chicken in charity. Whoever goes in the fifth hour, then he is like one who gave an egg in charity. When the Imam comes out, the angels are present listening to the remembrance.” (Tirmidhi)
This hadith is telling us about the hierarchy of rewards based on how early we arrive at the Masjid on Friday. The earlier the greater the reward and after the Imam starts the sermon, there won’t be any reward for those who came after that because the angels will close the record book to listen to the sermon from the Imam too. This is a great sunnah of Jumuah that we should always strive for.
We can picture this like our daily hustle, imagine how early we go to our shop and market in order to make good sales and profit. Then why are we not prepare for our hereafter like that and even more too?
5. Observing two rakats prayer
Praying two sunnah rakats before the Jumuah prayer is an important practice sunnah of Jumuah. This is highly recommended as it comes as a command from the Prophet to a late person who entered the Mosque on Friday while the Prophet was delivering the khutbah (sermon).
It was reported by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man came while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was giving the Friday sermon. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him:
“O So and so, have you prayed?” The man replied, “No.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed him,
“Get up and pray two Rak‘ahs” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).
This hadith made us know that it is highly recommended to observe two rakats prayers upon arrival before the main Jumuah prayer.
6. Listening Attentively to the Imam
Another essential Sunnah of Jumuah is to listen attentively to the Khutbah (sermon). The Khutbah is a significant part of the Friday prayer, providing guidance, reminders, and knowledge for the congregation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against speaking, playing, or doing something else during the Khutbah, advising that doing so diminishes the reward of the Jumuah prayer.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Whoever performs ablution in an excellent manner, comes to Friday prayer, and listens while remaining quiet, his sins will be forgiven until the next Friday and an additional three days, but whoever plays with pebbles has behaved frivolously.” (Sahih Muslim)
“If you tell your companion to be quiet on Friday while the Imam is speaking, you have spoken improperly.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Listening to the Imam is not merely a passive act; it is a form of worship. When we listen carefully, we receive the knowledge and reminders with humility and openness, which enrich our faith and strengthen it. Listening to the Imam shows that you have respect for Allah’s words and ready to make good use of it as a reminder and guidance.
We are going to see that it is not even permissible to be reading the Quran while the Imam is during sermon not talking of pressing the phone. And if you are able to fulfill all these very well, the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also mentioned a reward for that which says:
“Whoever performs a thorough ritual bath on Friday, proceeds at the earliest to the mosque, sits below the Imam and listens carefully without talking, he will have a reward for each step he took, a year’s worth of fasting and praying” (Tirmidhī 496).
7. Offering Sunnah Prayers After the Jumuah Salah
Offering Sunnah prayers after the Jumuah Salah is highly recommended. It is a commendable sunnah acts on Friday.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When one of you performs Friday prayer, let him pray four cycles after it.”
Sahih Muslim
It is recommended to pray rakats after Jumuah, although another part of it is that the prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray two at home after he left Jumuah. But what he commanded in the sunnah of Jumuah for us is to pray four rakats.
8. Sending Blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
Among the sunnah acts on Friday is sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) holds a special significance. He specifically encouraged us to do so on this day.
Anas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Increase your supplications for me on the day and night of Friday. Whoever blesses me once, Allah will bless him ten times.”
Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi 5994
Sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) strengthens our love for him and it’s a means of getting blessed by Allah. Each prayer of blessings brings Allah’s mercy upon us, as Allah and His angels also send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), as mentioned in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56).
This act is part of the sunnah of Jumuah that is highly recommended and serves as a means of gaining Allah’s mercy and blessings. You can read the recommended solawat (salutation prayer) that we should be doing for the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on Friday here.
9. Reading Surah Al-Kahf
Reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday is among the key sunnah acts on Friday. This chapter is known for its powerful stories that can help increase our faith and remind us of Allah’s wisdom. Reading Surah Al-Kahf also brings a great reward in doing so making it a commendable sunnah of Jumuah that we should always try to do.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” (Al-Jaami).
This “light” means protection and guidance for the week, guarding the believer against misguidance and strengthening their faith. This is similar to the narration of Abu Umamah:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Recite the two illuminated chapters, Surat al-Baqarah and Ali Imran, for on the Day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds pleading for their companions.
(Sahih Muslim)
Al-Nawawi commented on this hadith that the two surahs are called the “two bright ones” because of their light, guidance, and the great reward of reading them. So this is applicable to someone who recites and reflects upon Surat al-Kahf each Friday, engaging in this sunnah of Jumuah will be a reward for him as an act of worship, either with guidance in this life, in the Hereafter, or both.
Let’s practice this sunnah of Jumuah weekly to increase in faith and be guided in navigating through the challenges of life with Allah’s guidance.
10. Engaging in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) and Dua (Supplication)
Dhikr and dua are powerful sunnah acts on Friday and a highly recommended sunnah of Jumuah that invites Allah’s blessings and mercy. The Quran encourages this as a means of success, stating that:
And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed. (Surah Al-Jumuah, 62:10).
He allowed us to spread throughout the earth and seek his bounty after the prayer is finished. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that when the Friday prayer finished, `Irak bin Malik would stand by the gate of the Masjid and invoke Allah, saying,
“O Allah! I have accepted and complied with Your Call, performed the prayer You ordered and dispersed as You ordered me. Therefore, grant me of Your favor and You are the best of those who grant provisions.”
(and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.) means, while you are buying and selling, giving and taking, remember Allah much and do not let this life busy you from what benefits you in the Hereafter.
From Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Friday is a particularly special day for dua, as Jabir ibn Abdullah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Friday is made of twelve hours. No Muslim finds himself supplicating to Allah Almighty during one of them but that Allah will give it to him. Thus, seek it out in the last hour after the afternoon prayer.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1048).
Friday is really a blessed day. Allah made a time in it where He accepts dua (prayer) if we do it around that time. This is a sunnah of Jumuah among the sunnah acts on Friday that you wouldn’t want to miss. We all want Allah to accept our prayer and we should strive and make good use of this time between Solatul Asr and Solatul Magrib. We ask Allah to accept our dua.
These sunnah acts on Friday not only strengthen our bond with Allah but also align us with the blessed teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). By engaging in the sunnah of Jumuah, we will be able to increase in faith and build a life of piety, remembrance, and love for the Sunnah. This, in turn, helps to earn more rewards from Allah subhanahu wa ta’la.
We ask Allah to make it easy for us to follow and practice. Aameen
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