Surah Al-Jumu'ah (الْجُمُعَة) is the 62nd chapter of the Quran, and its literal meaning is "Friday." It holds significance in Islam as Friday is considered a holy day. It is a day of assembly for all Muslims when they skip all worldly affairs and head to seek Allah Almighty's help and guidance.
Surah Al-Jumu'ah consists of 11 verses (ayah) divided into 2 Ruku to deliver a clear and concise message to the believers about the importance of Friday prayers. This surah is located in the 28th Para of the Quran, with other smaller surahs that guide Muslims in their practical and social life. This surah was revealed in two parts. The first part was sent on the occasion of Khyber's victory, whereas the second part was revealed shortly after Prophet (ﷺ) migrated to Medina. This surah was completed after the migration. Hence, it is a Madni Surah. It is also an Al-Musabbihat surah, which begins with the glorification of God (Tasbeeh).
٦٢ - ٱلْجُمُعَة
62 - Al-Jumu'aa
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Surah Al-Jumu’ah was revealed in two parts. Verses 1 to 8 were revealed on the occasion of the conquest of Khyber. This part of the Surah was revealed in the month of Jamadi Al-Awwal in 7 AH. It is believed that these verses are addressed to the Jews of Medina. At the time of migration of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ from Mecca to Medina, there were three prominent tribes of Jews living in Medina. They entered into an agreement with the Prophet.
However, later on, they betrayed the Prophet at the time of the Battle of Trench. Resultantly, they were expelled from Medina. Then, they gathered at Khyber but were finally defeated by the Muslim forces, resulting in the fall of Khyber, historically referred to as the “Battle of Khyber.” These 8 verses of Surah Al-Jumu’ah were revealed at that historical moment. Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ reminded the Jews of His Blessings on them, but they did not stand alongside the Prophet and betrayed him.
The last three verses of Surah Al-Jumu’ah are believed to have been revealed immediately after the Hijra of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina. It was the occasion of Friday Prayer (Jumma Prayer). The Prophet was delivering the Friday Sermon when a Caravan reached the vicinity of Medina. The majority of the Muslims were diverted to the Caravan, whereas the Prophet was still delivering Friday sermons. By that time, Muslims of Medina were not fully familiar with the norms and etiquettes of the congregational prayers, which resulted in the diversion of their attention. The last three verses, especially the last one, refer to this incident.
The relevance of these different subjects, as narrated in the Surah is that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has bestowed Friday as a sacred day for the Muslims, as against Saturday, which was the special day for the Jews. While the first part narrates the historical background of the Jews, the second part assigns Friday, instead of Saturday, as a sacred day for Muslims.
Surah Al-Jumu’ah was sent down in two parts, both in Medina; hence, it is a Madni Surah. The first 8 verses are believed to have been revealed on the occasion of the conquest of Khyber. Some of the scholars are of the view that these verses were revealed soon after the Battle of Khyber, which took place in 7 AH, corresponding to 629 CE. Per some traditions, the first 8 verses of this surah were revealed either in the month of Muharram or Jamadi al-Awwal, 7 AH. The subject and theme of these eight verses of Surah Al-Jumu’ah also suggest that these were revealed on the occasion of Ghazwa Khyber or soon after it, as the audience of these verses is the Jews.
The second part of Surah Al-Jumu’ah, the verses from 9 to 11, specifically narrates the significance and Importance of the congregational Jumma Prayers (Friday Prayers), advising the Muslims to give preference to the Jumma prayers over all other activities. So, the theme of these verses points to the very early days after the migration of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, to Medina. Most probably, it was the first Jumma (Friday) after his migration. Hence, it is believed that these three verses were also revealed in Medina.
Surah Al-Jumu’ah can be found in Juzz (para) 28, after Surah As-Saf and before Surah Al-Munafiqun. By the order of revelation, it falls at number 110. However, in the sequence of recitation, it falls at number 62.
Surah Al-Jumu’ah comprises of 11 verses.
Surah Al-Jumu’ah is divided into 2 sections (Rukus).
Surah Al-Jumu’ah bears a unique significance. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite it in the Friday Prayers, as mentioned in Hadith 879a of Sahih Al-Muslim:
Translation – Ibn Abbas reported. The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite in the morning prayer on Friday Surah" Alif-Lam-Mim, Tanz'il ul-Sajda" (Surah xxxii.): Surely there came over the man a time" (Surah lxxvii) and he used to recite in Jumu'a prayer Surahs Jumu'a and al-Munafiqin.
Apart from that, there is an authentic Hadith reference to any special virtues and significance associated with Surah Al-Jumu’ah. The first part of this surah (verses 1 to 8) is addressed to the Jews. Historically, the Jews tried their best to disrupt the spread of the Message of Islam right from the earlier day of the migration of the Prophet to Medina. Later on, they were exposed during the Battle of Trench, as they betrayed the Prophet. After that, they gathered in Khaybar but were ultimately defeated in the Battle of Khaybar by the Muslim forces. They are reminded of all these facts in the first part of this Surah; hence, it is a reminder for those also who did not stand committed to Allah’s Message. The second part of the Surah is related to the importance and significance of the special prayer offered on Friday, commonly referred to as “Jumma Prayers” or “Friday Prayers.” Per the traditions, the last verse of this surah is related to an incident when the Prophet was delivering the Friday Sermon, and some of the Muslims left the place to join a caravan. The 11th verse of Surah Al-Jumu’ah narrates that Muslims must give preference to Jumma Prayers over any sort of amusement and merchandise.
Translation - Yet when they see some buying and selling, or some sport, they go for it, leaving you standing. Tell them: "What is with God is better than your sport and commerce. And God is the best of providers.
Similarly, in the 9th verse of surah Al-Jumu’ah, it is specifically mentioned that when the call to prayers is recited for Jumma Prayers, all the Muslims are required to halt all their activities and congregate at the Mosques. Once the prayers have been offered, they are free to resume their trading and other activities.
Translation – O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hasten to remember God, putting aside your business. This is better for you if you can understand.
Surah Al-Jumu'ah (الْجُمُعَة) holds great significance as it addresses 2 different audiences: Jews and Muslims. In the first part of the Surah, Allah addresses jews for the one last time as they were rejecting the Prophet (ﷺ) and causing great trouble for him. Jews were guided through the "Torah," but they failed to uphold Allah's commands and rejected the revelations sent to them. They were in a delusion of being Allah's favorite and that He would never send punishments (Azaab) towards them.
Allah says: "O you Jews, if you claim that you are the favorites of God apart from all men, then wish for death if you speak the truth. Quran - 62:6
In the last verses of the first part of the Surah, Allah confronts the Jews and says that if they were the favorite of Allah among all people, they would never fear death or the day of Judgment. This meant that they were fully aware of their deeds and they were conscious that they were going to face greater consequences in their Akhirah (life after death).
Allah says, tell them: Death from which you run will surely come to you. You will then be sent back to Him who knows the unknown and the known, who will tell you what you used to do." Quran - 62:8
In the second part of the surah, which was revealed after the migration, Allah warned Muslims not to follow the sabbath of the Jews. He has emphasized the importance of Friday prayers and commanded Muslims to leave whatever work they do during this time. Be it trade or business, it all must stop and resume after the prayers are done. This part was sent when a trade caravan arrived at Medina during prayer time. People left Prophet (ﷺ)'s mosque and rushed back to trade.
Allah says: "O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hasten to remember God, putting aside your business. This is better for you if you can understand." Quran: 62:9
Surah Al-Jumu'ah has special benefits when recited and understood, as reported by many hadiths. Reciting this surah on Friday is Sunnah, as our Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite it and Surah Al-Munafiqoon.
It was narrated by Ibn 'Abbas that During the prayer on Friday, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite: "Alif-Lam-Mim. The Revelation" and: "Has there not been over man," and in Jumu'ah prayer, he would recite Al-Jumu'ah (62) and Al-Munafiqin (63) -.Sunan an-Nasa'i 1421
Our Prophet (ﷺ) has given significant importance to this surah and called it Al-Mufassal. Ad-Dahhak bin Qais asked An-Nu'man bin Bashir: "What did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) use to recite on Friday after Surat Al-Jumu'ah?" He said: "He used to recite: 'Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)?" - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1424
Thus, the virtues and blessings this surah holds have been clear by hadiths, and the Prophet's (ﷺ) life is a role model for us all. If we recite this surah, especially in Friday prayer, it will have great benefits in Akhirah. May Allah guide us all.
Ibn Abi Rafi' said: Abu Hurairah led us in the Friday prayer and recited Surah Al-Jumu'ah and "When the hypocrites come to you" (63) in the last rak'ah. He said: I met Abu Hurairah when he finished the prayer and said to him: You recited the two surahs that 'Ali used to recite at Kufah. Abu Hurairah said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reciting them on Friday. - Sunan Abi Dawud 1124.
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The Arabic word Al-Jumu’ah refers to Friday, the fifth day of the week.
There are 11 verses in Surah Al-Jumu’ah.
Yes, Hadith 879a of Sahih Al-Muslim narrates that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite it in the Jumma Prayers. Hence, reciting it in Jumma Prayers is considered highly beneficial.
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