Friday: The Hajj of the Poor and the Moment When Prayers Are Fulfilled

Hajj of the poor

Sayyidunā 'Abdullāĥ Bin 'Abbās رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: 'اَلْجُمُعَةُ حَجُّ الْمَسَاكِيْنِ' i.e. 'Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is the Hajj of Masākīn (destitute).' In another narration, it is stated: 'اَلْجُمُعَةُ حَجُّ الْفُقَرَاءِ' i.e. Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is the Hajj of Fuqarā (poor).'

(Jam'-ul-Jawāmī' lis-Suyūṭī, vol. 4, pp. 84, Ḥadīš 11108-11109)

Proceeding for Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ early is equivalent to Hajj

The Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'No doubt, there is one Hajj and one 'Umraĥ for you on every Friday. Therefore, early proceeding for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is (equivalent to) Hajj and waiting for Ṣalāt-ul-'Aṣr having offered Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is (equivalent to) 'Umraĥ.'

(As-Sunan-ul-Kubrā, vol. 3, pp. 342, Ḥadīš 5950)

Reward of Hajj and 'Umraĥ

Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی has said, '(Having offered Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ) one should remain in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-'Aṣr and staying in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib is even more preferable.

It is said that the one who offers Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ in the Jāmi' Masjid, stays afterwards and offers Ṣalāt-ul-'Aṣr in the same Jāmi' Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj for him, and the one who stays till Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib and offers Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib in the same Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj and 'Umraĥ for him.'

(Iḥyā-ul-'Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 249)

Here's the transcribed text from each image:

Chief of all days

The Noble Prophet ﷺ has said, 'Friday is chief of all days; it is most magnificent [among all days] in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. It is superior to even Eid-ul-Aḍḥā and Eid-ul-Fiṭr in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. It has five particular features:

1.     Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ created Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام on this day.
(2) Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام descended upon the earth on this day. (3) Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام passed away on the same day.

2.     On Friday, there is one such moment in which if someone prays for anything, he will be granted whatever he asked for, provided he does not ask for anything Ḥarām. (5) The Judgement Day will take place on Friday. There is no such distinguished angel, the sky, the earth, wind, mountain and river that does not fear Friday.'

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, vol. 2, pp. 8, Ḥadīš 1084)

Fear for the Judgement Day among animals

According to another narration, the Greatest and Holiest Prophet ﷺ has said, 'There is no animal that does not scream from dawn to sunrise every Friday out of fear of the Day of Judgement, except man and jinn.'

(Muwaṭṭā Imām Mālik, vol. 1, pp. 115, Ḥadīš 246)

Supplications are fulfilled

The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, 'On Friday, there is one such moment which if a Muslim gets and asks Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ for anything in that moment, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will definitely grant him. That moment is very short.'

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 424, Ḥadīš 852)

Seek between 'Aṣr and Maghrib

Saying of the author of Baḥār-e-Sharī'at

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī'ah Maulānā Muhammad Amjad 'Alī A'ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُاللّٰهِالْقَوِي has stated, 'There are two very strong statements concerning the instant in which supplication is fulfilled (on Friday): (1) From the moment when the Imām sits for the sermon to the end of the Ṣalāh. (2) The last instant of Friday.'

(Baḥār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 754)

Which is the moment of acceptance?

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na'īmī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُاللّٰهِ عَلَيْه has stated, 'At night there comes a moment during which supplication is answered but Friday is the only day which has such a moment during the daytime. However, it is not known for sure as to which moment it actually is. The strong likelihood is that it is either between two sermons or a short while before Maghrib.'

Commenting on another Ḥadīš, the reverent Muftī has said that there are forty different opinions of scholars regarding this moment, out of which two are the most likely; as per one opinion, it is between two sermons while, according to the other, it is at the time of sunset.

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 319-320)

A parable

Sayyidatunā Fāṭima-tuz-Zahrā رَضِیَ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا used to sit in her Ḥujrah (small room) a short while prior to sunset and would ask Fiḍḍah رَضِیَ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْها, her maid, to stand outside; as the sun begins to set, Fiḍḍah رَضِیَ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْها would inform her about it and Sayyidah رَضِیَ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْها would raise her blessed hands for supplication.

(ibid, p. 320)

It is better to ask a concise supplication at that moment; for instance the following Quranic supplication:

رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّ فِى الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ﴿٢٠١﴾

O our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of hell-fire.

[Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)]
(Part 2, Sūrah Al-Baqarah, verse 201) (Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 325)

One can recite Ṣalāt-'Alan-Nabī as well with the intention of supplication as Ṣalāt-'Alan-Nabī is itself a magnificent supplication. It is preferable to supplicate between both sermons by heart without raising hands and without uttering anything verbally.

14 Million & 400 thousands released from Hell every Friday

The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, 'There are 24 hours in day and night of Friday, there is not a single such hour in which Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ does not release six hundred thousand (such sinners) from Hell for whom Hell had become due.'

(Musnad Abī Ya'lā, vol. 3, pp. 291, 235 Ḥadīš 3421, 3471)

Security from grave torment

The Beloved and Blessed Prophet ﷺ has said, 'The one who dies during the day or night of Friday, he will be saved from the torment of the grave and will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement with the seal of martyrs.'

(Ḥilyat-ul-Auliyā, vol. 3, pp. 181, Ḥadīš 3629)

Sins between two Fridays forgiven

Sayyidunā Salmān Fārsī رَضِیَ اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْه has narrated that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, 'The one who takes bath on Friday, attains the purity (sanctification) that was possible for him, applies oil and lawful perfume available at home, heads (towards the Masjid) to offer Ṣalāh, does not cause separation between two people, i.e. does not sit between two people by intrusion, offers the Ṣalāh ordained for him and stays silent during the Imām's sermon, his sins committed between this Friday and the previous one will be forgiven.'

(Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 306, Ḥadīš 883)

The History and Blessings of Jumu'aĥ: From the First Friday to Trimming Nails

When did our Prophet offer his first Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ?

'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na'īmuddīn Murādābādī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی has said, 'When the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was on his way to Madīnaĥ for migration, he stopped at a place called Qubā at the time of Chāsht on Monday, 12th Rabī'-ul-Awwal. He صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stayed there for four days (Monday to Thursday); during the stay, he صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم laid the foundation stone of a Masjid. On Friday, he صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم proceeded towards Madīnaĥ. When they reached the area of the Banī Sālim Ibn 'Awf, it was time to offer the Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ; people consecrated that place as Masjid where the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم offered the (first) Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ and delivered a sermon.

(Khazāin-ul-'Irfān, pp. 884)

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہ! The glorious Masjid-ul-Jumu'aĥ still exists there; the visitors behold the Masjid for the attainment of blessings and offer Nafl Ṣalāĥ over there.

Meaning of the word 'Jumu'aĥ'

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الكَانَان has stated, 'As all the creatures assembled in their beings on this day and the completion of the creation took place on the very same day, clay for Sayyidunā Ādam عَلٰی نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام was also collected on this day; similarly, people congregate and perform the Friday Ṣalāĥ on this day; therefore, it is called Jumu'aĥ on account of the aforementioned reasons. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs used to call it 'Arūbaĥ.'

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīĥ, vol. 2, pp. 317)

How many times Holy Prophet ﷺ offered Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ?

A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الكَانَان has stated, 'The Beloved and Blessed Rasūl صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم offered almost 500 Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ as offering of Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ commenced subsequent to the migration after which the total period of the apparent life of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is ten years and there are 500 Fridays in ten years' period.'

(Mirāĥ, vol. 2, pp. 346 – Lam'āt ish-Shaykh 'Abdul Ḥaq Dihlvī, vol. 4, pp. 190, Ḥadīš 1415)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Seal on heart

The Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, 'Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will seal off the heart of the one abandoning three Jumu'aĥ's Ṣalāĥ out of laziness.'

(Jāmi' Tirmiżī, vol. 2, pp. 38, Ḥadīš 500)

Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ is Farḍ-e-'Ayn and its Farḍiyyat (obligation) is more emphatic than that of Ṣalāt-uz-Ẓuhr; the denier of its obligation is Kāfir (unbeliever).

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 5 – Bahār-e-Sharī'at, vol. 1, pp. 762)

Excellence of wearing 'Imāmaĥ on Friday

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'Indeed, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His angels send Ṣalāt upon those who wear 'Imāmaĥ (turban) on Friday.'

(Majma'-uz-Zawāid, vol. 2, pp. 394, Ḥadīš 3075)

Cure is bestowed

Sayyidunā Ḥumayd Bin 'Abdur Raḥmān رَضِیَ اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُمَا has narrated via his father, 'The one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ removes his disease and bless him with cure.'

(Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybaĥ, vol. 2, pp. 65)

Protection from afflictions up to ten days

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī'aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad 'Alī A'ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ has said: It is stated in a blessed Ḥadīš that the one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will protect him from afflictions up to the next Friday including three more days, i.e. ten days in total. In accordance with one more narration, 'The one trimming his nails on Friday, mercy will approach (him) and (his) sins will be removed.'

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, part 16, pp. 226 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 9, pp. 668-669)

A cause of reduction in sustenance

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī'aĥ Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqaĥ 'Allāmaĥ Maulānā Muhammad Amjad 'Alī A'ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ القَوِيّ has said, 'Although it is preferable to trim nails on Friday, yet if the nails are very long; one should not wait till Friday as growing long nails is a cause of reduction in sustenance.'

(Bahār-e-Sharī'at, part 16, pp. 225)

Angels write the names of the fortunate ones

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, 'At the onset of the day of Friday, the angels register the names of comers at the gateway of the Masjid. They record names in chronological order. The early comer is like the one who gives Ṣadaqaĥ of a camel in the path of Allah. The next comer is like the one who gives a cow and the next one is like the donor of a sheep; then the next one is like the donor of a hen and then the next one is like the donor of an egg. When the Imām sits (to deliver the sermon), the angels close the Books of Deeds and come to listen to the sermon.'

(Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 319, Ḥadīš 929)

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na'īmī رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has stated, 'Some scholars have said that the angels stay (at the doors of the Masjid) from dawn whereas some other opine they stay from sunrise; the stronger opinion, however, is that they come and stay when the sun begins to decline (from zenith) because it is the instant when timing of Jumu'aĥ (Ṣalāĥ) begins.' The foregoing narration also clearly indicates that those who know the names of every comer. It is noteworthy that if 100 people enter the Masjid initially, they all would be regarded as the first-comer.

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīĥ, vol. 2, pp. 335)

The enthusiasm for offering Jumu'aĥ Ṣalāĥ in the first century

Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰہِ الوالِی has said, 'During the first century, people used to proceed towards the Jāmi' Masjid at the time of Saĥrī and after Ṣalāt-ul-Fajr holding lamps in their hands for offering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ. There used to be so huge crowd in the streets that it would seem as if it was the day of Eid, but gradually, this spirit died out. Thus, it is said that the very first Bid'aĥ (innovation) that evolved in Islam is the abandonment of early proceeding towards the Jāmi' Masjid.

Regretfully, the Muslims do not feel ashamed that Jews proceed towards their places of worship in the early morning on Saturday and Sunday; further, seekers of worldly luxuries also head towards the marketplace in the early morning for trading and earning wealth; so, why don't the seekers of the Hereafter compete with such people!'

(Iḥyā-ul-'Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 246)

A Masjid where Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu'aĥ is offered, is called a Jāmī' (main) Masjid.

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْبِ ۞ صَلَّى اللّٰہ تَعَالٰی عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

The Blessings of Jumuah: A Complete Guide to Friday in Islam

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ

أَمَّا بَعْدُ فَأَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

Blessings of Jumuah

Though Satan will definitely make you feel lazy, revive your faith by going through this booklet thoroughly.

Excellence of invoking Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī on Friday:

The Prophet of Raḥmah, the Intercessor of Ummah, the Owner of Jannah صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘The one who recites Ṣalāt 200 times upon me on Friday, his 200 years’ sins will be forgiven.’

(Jam’-ul-Jawāmi’ lis-Suyūṭī, vol. 7, pp. 199, Ḥadīš 22353)

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيبِ    صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! How fortunate we are as Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has blessed us with the favour of Jumu’a-tul-Mubārak for the sake of His Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ. Regrettfully, like other ordinary days, we spend even Friday heedlessly whereas it is a day of Eid, it is superior to all other days, the fire of Hell is not blazed up on Friday and the gates of Hell are not opened on Friday night. On the Day of Resurrection, Friday will be brought in the form of a bride; the fortunate Muslim dying on Friday attains the rank of martyrdom and remains safe from the torment of the grave.

A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat, Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ الْحَنَّان has said, ‘The reward of the Hajj performed on Friday is equivalent to 70 Hajj as the reward of a single virtuous deed performed on Friday is enhanced 70 times.’ (As Friday is an immensely sacred day, therefore,) The punishment of a sin committed on Friday is also increased 70 times.

(Derived from Mirāt, vol. 2, pp. 323, 325, 336)

How words can express the excellence of Friday! By the name of Jumu’ah, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has revealed a complete Sūrah that is present in the 28^th part of the Holy Quran. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has said in the 9^th verse of Sūrah Al-Jumu’ah:

يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (9)

O people who believe! When the call for Ṣalāh is given on (Friday) the day of congregation, rush towards the remembrance of Allah and stop buying and selling; this is better for you if you understand.

[Kanz-ul-Īmān (Translation of Quran)]

When did our Prophet offer his first Jumu’ah Ṣalāh?

‘Allāmah Maulānā Sayyid Muhammad Na’īmuddīn Murādābādī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْهَادِى has said, ‘When the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ was on his way to Madīnah for migration, he stopped at a place called Qubā at the time of Chāsht on Monday, 12th Rabī’-ul-Awwal. He صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ stayed there for four days (Monday to Thursday); during the stay, he صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ laid the foundation stone of a Masjid. On Friday, he صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ proceeded towards Madīnah. When they reached the area of the Banī Sālim Ibn ‘Awf, it was time to offer the Jumu’ah Ṣalāh; people consecrated that place as Masjid where the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ offered the (first) Jumu’ah Ṣalāh and delivered a sermon.

(Khazāin-ul-‘Irfān, pp. 884)

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ! The glorious Masjid-ul-Jumu’ah still exists there; the visitors behold the Masjid for the attainment of blessings and offer Nafl Ṣalāh over there.

Meaning of the word ‘Jumu’ah’

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ الْحَنَّان has stated, ‘As all the creatures assembled in their beings on this day and the completion of the creation took place on the very same day, clay for Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَى نَبِيِّنَا وَعَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام was also collected on this day; similarly, people congregate and perform the Friday Ṣalāh on this day; therefore, it is called Jumu’ah on account of the aforementioned reasons. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs used to call it ‘Arūbah.’

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 317)

How many times Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ offered Jumu’ah Ṣalāh?

A renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ الْحَنَّان has stated, ‘The Rasūl of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the Most Generous and Kind صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ offered almost 500 Jumu’ah Ṣalāh as offering of Jumu’ah Ṣalāh commenced subsequent to the migration after which the total period of the apparent life of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ is ten years and there are 500 Fridays in ten years’ period.’

(Mirāt, vol. 2, pp. 346 – Lam’āt lish-Shaykh ‘Abdul Ḥaq Dihlvī, vol. 4, pp. 190, Ḥadīš 1415)

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيبِ    صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Seal on heart

The Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ has said, ‘Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will seal off the heart of the one abandoning three Jumu’ah’s Ṣalāh out of laziness.’

(Jāmi’ Tirmīżī, vol. 2, pp. 38, Ḥadīš 500)

Jumu’ah Ṣalāh is Farḍ-e-‘Ayn and its Farḍiyyat (obligation) is more emphatic than that of Ṣalāt-uz-Zuhr; the denier of its obligation is Kāfir (unbeliever).

(Durr-e-Mukhtār, vol. 3, pp. 5 – Bahār-e-Sharī’at, vol. 1, pp. 762)

Excellence of wearing ‘Imāmah on Friday

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘Indeed, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His angels send Ṣalāt upon those who wear ‘Imāmah (turban) on Friday.’

(Majma’-uz-Zawā’id, vol. 2, pp. 394, Ḥadīš 3075)

Cure is bestowed

Sayyidunā Ḥumayd Bin ‘Abdur Raḥmān رَضِيَ اللهُ تَعَالَى عَنْهُمَا has narrated via his father, ‘The one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ removes his disease and bless him with cure.’

(Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybāh, vol. 2, pp. 65)

Protection from afflictions up to ten days

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī’ah Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqah ‘Allāmah Maulānā Muhammad Amjal ‘Alī A’ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْقَوِى has said: It is stated in a blessed Ḥadīš that the one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will protect him from afflictions up to the next Friday including three more days, i.e. ten days in total. In accordance with one more narration, ‘The one trimming his nails on Friday, mercy will approach (him) and (his) sins will be removed.’

 (Bahār-e-Sharī’at, part 16, pp. 226 – Durr-e-Mukhtār, Rad-dul-Muḥtār, vol. 9, pp. 668-669) 

Jumuah: The Most Blessed Day of the Week

A cause of reduction in sustenance

Ṣadr-ush-Sharī’ah Badr-uṭ-Ṭarīqah ‘Allāmah Maulānā Muhammad Amjad ‘Alī A’ẓamī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْقَوِى has said, ‘Although it is preferable to trim nails on Friday, yet if the nails are very long; one should not wait till Friday as growing long nails is a cause of reduction in sustenance.’

(Bahār-e-Sharī’at, part 16, pp. 225)

Angels write the names of the fortunate ones

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘At the onset of the day of Friday, the angels register the names of comers at the gateway of the Masjid. They record names in chronological order. The early comer is like the one who gives Ṣadaqah of a camel in the path of Allah. The next comer is like the one who gives a cow and then the next one is like the donor of a sheep; then the next one is like the donor of a hen and then the next one is like the donor of an egg. When the Imām sits (to deliver the sermon), the angels close the Books of Deeds and come to listen to the sermon.’

(Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 1, pp. 319, Ḥadīš 929)

The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran, Ḥakīm-ul-Ummat Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Na’īmī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْحَنَّان has stated, ‘Some scholars have said that the angels stay (at the doors of the Masjid) from dawn whereas some other opine they stay from sunrise; the stronger opinion, however, is that they come and stay when the sun begins to decline (from zenith) because it is the instant when timing of Jumu’ah (Ṣalāh) begins.’ The foregoing narration also clearly indicates that those angels know the names of every comer. It is noteworthy that if 100 people enter the Masjid initially, they all would be regarded as the first-comer.

(Mirāt-ul-Manājīḥ, vol. 2, pp. 335)

The enthusiasm for offering Jumu’ah Ṣalāh in the first century

Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْوَالِى has said, ‘During the first century, people used to proceed towards the Jāmi’ Masjid at the time of Saḥarī and after Ṣalāt-ul-Fajr holding lamps in their hands for offering Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah. There used to be so huge crowd in the streets that it would seem as if it was the day of Eid, but gradually, this spirit died out. Thus, it is said that the very first Bid’ah (innovation) that evolved in Islam is the abandonment of early proceeding towards the Jāmi’ Masjid.

Regrettfully, the Muslims do not feel ashamed that Jews proceed towards their places of worship in the early morning on Saturday and Sunday; further, seekers of worldly luxuries also head towards the marketplace in the early morning for trading and earning wealth; so, why don’t the seekers of the Hereafter compete with such people!’

(Iḥyā-ul-‘Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 246)

A Masjid where Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah is offered, is called a Jāmi’ (main) Masjid.

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيبِ    صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Hajj of the poor

Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh Bin ‘Abbās رَضِيَ اللهُ تَعَالَى عَنْهُمَا has narrated that the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said: ‘اَلْجُمُعَةُ حَجُّ الْمَسَاكِيْن’ i.e. ‘Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah is the Hajj of Masākīn (destitute).’ In another narration, it is stated: ‘اَلْجُمُعَةُ حَجُّ الْفُقَرَاءِ’ i.e. Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah is the Hajj of Fuqarā (poor).

(Jam’-ul-Jawāmi’ lis-Suyūṭī, vol. 4, pp. 84, Ḥadīš 11108-11109)

Proceeding for Jumu’ah Ṣalāh early is equivalent to Hajj

The Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘No doubt, there is one Hajj and one ‘Umrah for you on every Friday. Therefore, early proceeding for Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah is (equivalent to) Hajj and waiting for Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr having offered Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah is (equivalent to) ‘Umrah.’

(As-Sunan-ul-Kubrā, vol. 3, pp. 342, Ḥadīš 5950)

Reward of Hajj and ‘Umrah

Ḥujjat-ul-Islam Sayyidunā Imām Muhammad Bin Muhammad Bin Muhammad Ghazālī عَلَيْهِ رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ الْوَالِى has said, ‘(Having offered Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah) one should remain in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr and staying in the Masjid till Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib is even more preferable.

It is said that the one who offers Ṣalāt-ul-Jumu’ah in the Jāmi’ Masjid, stays there afterwards and offers Ṣalāt-ul-‘Aṣr in the same Jāmi’ Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj for him, and the one who stays till Maghrib and offers Ṣalāt-ul-Maghrib in the same Masjid, there is the reward of Hajj and ‘Umrah for him.’

(Iḥyā-ul-‘Ulūm, vol. 1, pp. 249)

Chief of all days

The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ has said, ‘Friday is chief of all days; it is most magnificent [among all days] in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. It is superior to even Eid-ul-Aḍḥā and Eid-ul-Fiṭr in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. It has five particular features:

·         Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ created Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام on this day.

·         Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام descended upon the earth on this day.

·         Sayyidunā Ādam عَلَيْهِ الصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَام passed away on the same day.

·    On Friday, there is one such moment in which if someone prays for anything, he will be granted whatever he asked for, provided he does not ask for anything Ḥarām.

·         The Judgement Day will take place on Friday.

There is no such distinguished angel, the sky, the earth, wind, mountain and river that does not fear Friday.’

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, vol. 2, pp. 8, Ḥadīš 1084)

Fear for the Judgement Day among animals

According to another narration, the Beloved and Blessed Rasūl صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ has said, ‘There is no animal that does not scream from dawn to sunrise every Friday out of the fear of the Day of Judgement, except man and jinn.’

(Muwaṭṭā Imām Mālik, vol. 1, pp. 115, Ḥadīš 246)

Supplications are fulfilled

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘On Friday, there is one such moment which if a Muslim gets and asks Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ for anything in that moment, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will definitely grant him. That moment is very short.’

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, pp. 424, Ḥadīš 852)

Seek between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib

The Beloved Rasūl صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَاَلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ said, ‘On Friday, look for the moment that is desired from ‘Aṣr to the sunset.’

(Jāmi’ Tirmīżī, vol. 2, pp. 30, Ḥadīš 489)