Importance of Friday Prayer

Friday is a holy day of the week in Islam. It holds great importance for Muslims as they observe the congregation prayer in the mosque, known as Salat-ul-Jumah. Before this collective prayer, there is a special sermon delivered by the Imam. Friday is also observed as a day of peace and mercy. We can consider it a celebration day, as true Muslim celebrations always include worship of Allah. Friday is referred to as the “King of all days” because it is superior to all other days of the week.

Importance of Friday in Hadith

1. Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had said.
2. Narrated Abdullah bin Umar, Allah's messenger (P.B.U.H) said.
3. Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri, Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said.
4. Narrated Salman-Al-Farsi, The Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) said.
5. Reported by Imam Muslim, Abu Dawood, Al-Nesaii, and Al-Tirmidhi, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had said.
6. Abu Huraira reported that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said.

The Merits of Friday

1. Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) was created on Friday by Allah Almighty.
2. Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) was sent to Paradise on Friday.
3. Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) was placed on this Earth on Friday.
4. Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) passed away on Friday.
5. Friday is a day of acceptance of prayers. It is a special day to seek forgiveness and ask for anything from Allah.
6. According to Islam, the Day of Judgment will occur on a Friday.

Command for Friday

Friday prayer is obligatory, and all Muslims have consensus on its importance. It is one of the distinctive features of Islam, allowing Muslims to gather together, symbolizing unity and harmony. Friday prayer carries a wide range of social and community benefits. Missing Friday prayer without a genuine reason is considered a great sin.

Based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the consensus of Muslims, it is clear that Friday prayer holds great importance. A person who neglects the obligatory nature of Friday prayer and abandons it without a valid excuse becomes a sinner. The Qur’an states:

“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and trade). That is best for you if you but knew.” [Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9]

In this verse, "remembrance" refers to the Friday sermon and the congregational service. The emphasis on hastening highlights the unique importance of Friday prayer.