How to Pray Jumuah: Time, Conditions and Virtues

The Friday (Jumuah) prayer is a special obligation performed in congregation at the time of the noon prayer each Friday, gathering believers together. The Quran calls the faithful to hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade when the call is made (Al-Jumuah 62:9). In this way Friday is both an act of worship and a day of unity for the Muslim community.

The importance of Jumuah

Friday is the weekly gathering and spiritual renewal for Muslims. The sermon (khutbah) informs and reminds the community, while shared prayer and remembrance unite hearts. Praying in congregation strengthens the bonds of brotherhood in neighborhood and city life.

Its time and who is obliged

The time of the Friday prayer is the time of the noon prayer; after the call and the sermon, two units (rakats) are prayed as the obligatory prayer. It is obligatory upon sane, adult, free, resident (non-traveling) and healthy men who have no valid excuse preventing attendance. It is not obligatory for women, children, travelers or the sick; if they attend and pray it, it is valid and they need not pray the separate noon prayer that day.

How the prayer is performed

The imam delivers a sermon of two parts from the pulpit, which the congregation listens to in silence. After the sermon, two rakats of obligatory prayer are performed with the imam, recited aloud. It is recommended to pray four rakats of sunnah before the obligatory prayer and, according to common practice, four (or in some views six) after it; arriving early in keeping with mosque etiquette is praiseworthy.

Its virtues and etiquette

The recommended manners of Friday include performing a full ablution (ghusl), wearing clean and fine clothing, applying pleasant scent, going early to the mosque, and sending abundant blessings upon the Prophet. Prayers and remembrance particular to this day are emphasized; remaining silent and listening attentively during the sermon is part of its etiquette. You can easily confirm the qibla direction and prayer times for your location through our site.