Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo
*Excerpted from Salat al-Jumuah from AlJumuah magazine (vol. 8, #4)
- Adapted from the Fiqh of the Friday Prayer*
“O believers, when the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday,
come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business, that is
better for you if you but did know.” [Al-Jumuah, 62:9]
Purifying and cleaning oneself
The person intending to perform Salat al-Jumuah is highly encouraged
to have ghusl (full bath or shower). The majority of the scholars are
of the opinion that the ghusl for Salat a-Jumuah is recommended
(sunnah) but not obligatory. The ghusl is performed starting from the
time of Fajr Prayer. Also, if a person performs ghusl and then later
invalidates his ablution, he need not repeat the ghusl. Making
ablution (wudhu) suffices. Furthermore, one ghusl may be used for
removing sexual defilement (janabah) and for Salat al-Jumuah.
**Going early to the masjid **
There is a great reward in going early to Salat al-Jumuah, beginning
after sunrise. By leaving for Salat al-Jumuah, one gets the reward of
waiting for the Prayer, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and
voluntary prayers during that time. Abu Umamah narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “The angels
sit at the doors to the Masjids and with them are scrolls in which
they record the people [who come]. When the Imam appears, the scrolls
are rolled up.” Abu Umamah was asked, “Does the one who comes after
the Imam still have a Friday Prayer?” he said, “Certainly, but he is
not one of those who is recorded [as coming early].” [Ahmad and al-
Tabarani]
**Dressing well for Salat al-Jumuah **
This is a special time that requires Muslims to appear in the best
manner possible. One should therefore put on his best attire for
Salat al-Jumuah.
The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “If one has the
means, he should buy two pieces of clothing, other than his work
clothes or [everyday clothing], to wear on Friday.” [Abu Dawud]
**Performing tahiyyat al-Masjid **
If a person comes late to the Friday Prayer while the Imam is
delivering the khutbah, should he pray the two rakahs of tahiyyat al- Masjid (prayer of greeting the mosque) and the sit or should he simply skip them? The strongest opinion is to perform the tahiyyat al- Masjid based on the Hadith of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa
sallam): “If one of you comes to the Masjid, he should pray two
rak`ahs before he sits” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. However, tahiyyat al-
Masjid is not required of the person giving the khutbah. Also, this
requirement is limited only to prayers offered in a Masjid.
Other Etiquette of Salat al-Jumuah:
Walking to the Masjid whenever feasible as there is a reward for
every step taken to the Masjid.
Avoiding stepping over people to get to a particular spot in the
Masjid.
Avoiding dividing two people who are sitting together.
Not making someone stand and taking his place.
Not clasping one’s hands and intertwining one’s fingers while waiting
for the prayer.
Sitting in the front rows and close to the Imam whenever possible.
Remaining quiet while the Imam is delivering the khutbah. This
actually includes listening to the Imam and not playing with anything
while the Imam is speaking.
Going to the Masjid in a state of calmness and not being hurried.
Reciting surah al-Kahf (surah 18) as an authentic Hadith states: “For
whoever recites surah al-Kahf on Friday, it will be a light for him
from that Friday to the next.” [Al-Bayahaqi and Al-Hakim] The surah
could be read any time of the day.
Indeed, Salat al-Jumuah is one of the most important acts of worship
in Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) has described
the wonderful blessings and benefits that Allah has vouchsafed upon
Muslims through this magnificent act. Knowing how important this
prayer is in Allah’s sight, Muslims must do their best to perform it
in the best way possible. They should strive and sacrifice for the
sake of this Prayer.
“I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but He has a grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the straight path. (The truth)”
(11:55-56)
“…Indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the worlds” (6:162)
[This message has been edited by Sadiaa (edited March 02, 2002).]
