Jumma

Jumma Guide: How to Pray the Jumma Namaz Rakats for Men and Women

Jumma (ٱلْجُمُعَة), or "Friday," is the fifth and the most important day of the week in Islam. It holds a unique status in Islam. Many important historical events took place on this day, such as the Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was created, sent to Jannah (Paradise), and then expelled from Jannah, as also mentioned in Hadith 854b of Sahih Muslim.

Translation - The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it, Adam was created. On it, he was made to enter Paradise; on it, he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday.

Jumma is also declared an Eid for Muslims. Hence, a special prayer is made obligatory in place of the Dhuhr prayer, on Friday. The Arabic word Youm al-Jumma translates to "Day of Congregation" or "Day of Assembly." Accordingly, this is a day in Islam when Muslims are required to perform the Jumma prayer in the congregation. The obligation of Jumma namaz is mentioned in the Quran in the 9th verse of Surah Al-Jumu'aa.

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.

Offering the Jumma prayer holds an explicit significance over the Dhuhr prayer, as it is particularly emphasized in the Quran and also made obligatory to be recited in the congregation. This guide provides a comprehensive guide on Jumma prayer, including how both men and women may perform Jumma namaz correctly.

The Importance of Jumma Prayer

Jumma prayer is a unique worship in Islam in many contexts. It is performed in place of Dhuhr prayer on Friday but more importantly, in congregation (with jama'ah). Hence, it becomes a communal activity, in addition to being an obligatory worship. As explained above, the day of Jumma in itself is a very special day in Islamic theology. Contrary to the day of the Sabbath, which is observed in Judaism as a day of rest, the day of Friday in Islam is not a day of rest; rather, it is a day of special prayer. Moreover, Muslims are also encouraged to return back to their normal daily activities once the Friday prayers are performed. The special status, benefits, and virtues of Jumma prayers can, therefore, be summarized as under:

• The Jumma Salah is the only prayer specifically emphasized in the Quran, whereas the five daily prayers are often mentioned collectively.
• It is made mandatory for adult men to perform the Jumma prayer in mosques in congregation. Women can also perform the Jumma prayer in the mosque in the congregation, but it has not been made compulsory for them.
• Since the Jumma prayer needs to be performed in congregations, it becomes a source of communal gathering, which strengthens interpersonal relationships in the community.
• The special sermon (khutbah) delivered on this occasion is a source of guidance for Muslims.
• Jumma prayer is a powerful source of divine blessings and forgiveness. It is also a time when duas are most likely to be accepted.

The Virtues of the Jumma Prayer in Hadith

There are so many hadiths where the virtues of Jumma prayer are explained. Some of those are narrated below:

Hadith 233a of Sahih Muslim. Friday prayer as a source of expiation of sins.

Translation - Five prayers and from one Friday prayer to (the next) Friday prayer is an expiation (of the sins committed in between their intervals) if major sins are not committed.

Hadith 929 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. Importance of reaching the mosque early for Jumma prayer.

Translation - When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrival. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg, respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumua prayer), they (i.e., angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutba.

Hadith 865 of Sahih Muslim. Consequence of missing Jumma prayer.

Translation - People must cease to neglect the Friday prayer, or Allah will seal their hearts, and then they will be among the negligent.

Who Must and Who Is Exempt from Jumma Prayer

Jumma prayer is obligatory for all free (not slaves) adult men who are in their senses (not mentally handicapped). These men must offer the Jumma prayer with jama'ah, ideally in a mosque.

On the other hand, there are some categories of people who are exempt from the Jumma prayer in a congregation, which include women, slaves, children, travelers, those who do not have full control of their mental capabilities, and the sick. Hadith 1067 of Sunan Abi Dawud narrates it.

Translation - The Friday prayer in congregation is a necessary duty for every Muslim, with four exceptions: a slave, a woman, a boy, and a sick person.

Islam is a deen of ease, and it does not burden its followers. Therefore, free and healthy adult men are exempt from the compulsory performance of Jumma prayers while they travel. It is important to note here that most of the worships in Islam are either exempt or relaxed for travelers, slaves, and sick persons. Moreover, individuals who do not have charge of their mental capabilities are exempt from the compulsory performance of religious rituals.

Women are not religiously obliged to perform Jumma prayer in mosques or in congregations. However, it is the consensus of the majority of scholars that women are not prohibited from going to mosques for Jumma prayer, but it is better for them to offer Dhuhr prayer in their homes when not offering Jumma prayer in mosques.

Preparations for Jumma Prayer

Since the event of Jumma prayer holds a special status in Islam, the preparations for Jumma are equally special, which include:

• Taking a bath is compulsory before the performance of the Jumma prayer. Per the Islamic teachings, a bath refers to an Islamic way of washing yourself, commonly known as Ghusl or ritual bath. This is the first step in preparing yourself for the performance of the Jumma prayer.
• Once the ritual bath is performed, it is highly advisable to wear neat and clean clothes. Choose one of the best available clothes for this weekly congregational prayer. However, the clothes must be decent, especially for women, if they intend to go to the mosque for Jumma prayer. 
• Applying perfume on this special day is also a sunnah but is restricted to men only. Women are strictly prohibited from applying perfume when going out of their homes.
• If someone is in need of performing Wudu, it is highly advisable to do it at home, before proceeding to mosques. However, one can also do this in mosques if appropriate arrangements are available there.
• Reaching the mosque as early as possible is the best practice. There are huge rewards for the early arrivers. Try to reach the mosque immediately after the first Athan (call to prayer).
• While going to the mosque, make sure to walk calmly without creating a fuss.

How Men Should Perform Salat al-Jumma

Jumma salat primarily comprises the same components as a regular prayer. However, it slightly differs from regular Dhuhr prayer. While the regular Dhuhr prayer consists of 4 rakats of fard Salah, Jumma prayers have only two rakats. Another difference between them is that the Imam recites the Jumma prayer in a loud voice (as in the case of Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayer), contrary to the regular Dhuhr prayer, which is termed a "silent prayer."

Since the Jumma prayer is a special worship, it has some additional steps, as compared to the regular Dhuhr prayer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how men should perform Jumma Namaz:

Step 1 - Arrival at the Mosque

It is obligatory for men to offer their Jumma prayer in mosques. As mentioned in the 9th verse of Surah Al-Jummu'aa, it is crucial to rush to the mosque once the call to prayer is made. Hadith 929 of Sahih Al-Bukhari explains the importance of reaching the mosque for the performance of the Jumma prayer a little earlier than the khutbah time. According to this hadith, reaching earlier for Jumma prayer carries huge rewards. So, it is highly recommended for men to reach the mosque as early as possible.

Though not a part of the sequence of Jumma prayer, offering two rakats of Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque) on arrival at the mosque is highly recommended and an act of following sunnah. So, make it a habit, especially when arriving at the mosque for Jumma prayer.

Step 2 - Sunnah Prayers Before Khutbah

Once the basic preparations for Jumma prayer, such as Ghusl, wearing neat and clean clothes, and applying perfume, are done, the actual sequence of offering the Jumma prayer starts.

The first step is to pray the 4 rakats of sunnah, as is done in regular Dhuhr prayers. This can be done at home before proceeding to the mosque as well. Otherwise, you can also perform these 4 rakats of sunnah at the mosque. In any case, these are required to be performed before the Imam starts khutbah. That's why it is so important to reach mosque, earlier, as it will facilitate you to perform four rakats of sunnah, in a peaceful environment, well before the start of khutbah.

Step 3 - Listening to the Khutbah (Sermon)

The sermon (khutbah) of Friday prayer by the Imam is a mandatory part of the Jumma prayer. It comprises of two separate Sermons. The Imam sits quietly for a while after delivering the first sermon and then rises up to deliver the second. Listening to these two sermons (khutbah) is mandatory and a compulsory part of the Jumma prayers. It is a common belief amongst scholars that khutbah is a replacement for two fard rakats of Dhuhr prayers. That's why, the Jumma prayer consists of Two rakats, instead of 4, as recited in regular Dhuhr prayers. So, listening to khutbah, before praying the two rakats of Jumma prayer is mandatory and highly important.

The etiquette of listening to khutbah includes:

• Listen with full attention.
• Keep silence so that every word of khutbah can be clearly heard and understood.
• Sit quietly, in a respectable posture, while facing Imam.
• If the Imam recites a dua, respond to it with "Ameen" in a low voice.

Step 4 - Fard Jumma Namaz Rakat

Offer the two rakats of the fard prayer, led by the Imam, is the most important part of the Jumma prayer. The fard salat is offered after the khutbah. As with the regular fard prayers, led by the Imam, Iqama needs to be recited as an announcement and invitation for fard Jumma namaz rakat. The procedure of performing the two rakats of fard Jumma prayer is the same as for other fard prayers, recited behind the Imam. Essential steps for the Hanafi sect include:

• Making the intention (niyyah), saying, "I intend to pray 2 rakats of fard for Jumma praying, with face towards Ka'aba, behind the Imam."
• Imam will recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar", in a loud voice. Follow him while raising hands up to ears.
• Recite Sana, silently. “سُبْحانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ”
• Recite “اعوذ باللہ من الشیطان الرجیم” and then “بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم”.
• After that, wait for the Imam to recite Surah Al-Fatiha, along with some other Surah from the Quran. He will recite these surahs in a loud voice.
• After that Imam recites “Allahu Akbar” and bows down in Ruku posture. Follow him and recite “سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ” thrice.
• Imam recites “سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه” and stands upright. Follow him by reciting “رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْد”.
• The Imam then recites "Allahu Akbar" and goes down in the posture of Prostration (Sajdah). Follow him and recite “سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى” thrice.
• Repeat the Prostration twice in the same manner.
• Stand up for the second rakat and repeat the same actions as done in the first rakat.
• After performing Sajda (Prostration), instead of standing up, sit in the position known as Tashahud (also known as sitting for Attahiyyat).
• Recite “التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ”
• Then recite Durud Ibrahimi “ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ”
• Recite dua, seeking Allah's blessings.
• The Imam then recites in a loud voice, "السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ," once turning their face to the right and then turning their face to the left. Follow the Imam.

With that, the fard Jumma namaz rakats are complete.  

Step 5 - Sunnah Prayers After Jumma

Once the fard Jumma prayer is offered behind the Imam, you need to perform 4 rakats of sunnah prayer in the mosque, individually. The procedure is the same as for other regular prayers. Performing another two rakats of sunnah prayers is normally done at home. Although it is optional, per some scholars, it is better to perform these two rakats sunnah prayers at home or in the mosque. 

How Women Should Pray on Friday

Jumma prayer is mandatory for adult men only, while women are not obliged to perform it in mosques or in congregations. Hadith 1067 of Sunan Abi Dawud clarifies that Jumma is not obligatory for women. Although it is not obligatory for women, they can still offer the Jumma prayer in the mosque with the following conditions.

• They are not allowed to apply perfume.
• They are not allowed to wear adornments.
• They are not allowed to mix up or crowd with men.

Accordingly, many mosques provide the facility of Jumma prayers for women at a dedicated separate place within the premises. Women can freely perform Jumma prayers in this dedicated area in the congregation.

The procedure of offering the Jumma prayer is the same for both men and women, which includes two rakats of fard jumma prayer and the performance of 4 sunnah rakats, before and after the Jumma prayer. Other preparations such as Ghusl and wearing neat and clean clothes are also required to be followed by women, intending to perform Jumma prayers in mosques, while observing the ethics, otherwise applicable to women, when going out of their homes.

If a woman opts not to perform Jumma prayers in the mosque, she is required to perform regular Dhuhr prayer at home. This can be done as per daily routine at its regular time, which includes 4 rakats of fard prayers of Dhuhr, followed by 4 and 2 rakats of sunnah. In this case, listening to the Jumma khutbah is not required by women. However, if they go to mosque for Jumma prayers, they are required to listen to Khurtbah, as well.

Difference Between Jumma and Dhuhr Prayer

Jumma prayer is offered in replacement of regular Dhuhr prayer, specifically on Fridays. The procedure of performing Jumma prayer is the same as for regular Dhuhr prayers, with a slight difference, especially in the number of rakats. The main differences between Jumma and Dhuhr prayers are summarized below:

The importance of attending Jumma congregational prayers is evidenced by the 9th verse of Surah Al-Jummu'aa, where it is specifically advised that believers should rush towards mosques when a call to prayer for Jumma prayers is made. Attending this prayer in congregation is compulsory for men, whereas it is optional for women. However, women are also encouraged to join this congregational prayer, without applying perfumes or wearing adornments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Jumma

Jumma prayer is one of the most important prayers. It holds profound significance in Islam. Accordingly, it requires full devotion and attention, while performing its rituals. Even a slight deviation from the procedure or any small mistake can deprive us of the huge benefits and virtues associated with its performance.

Some of the glaring mistakes, often committed, either intentionally or unintentionally, are listed below:

Talking during the khutbah

The khutbah is an essential part of the Jumma prayer. The majority of scholars are of the view that it is in fact, a replacement of two fard rakats of Dhuhr. Hence, listening to khutbah, attentively and more importantly, silently, is crucial. So, make sure, not to talk while listening to the khutbah. Likewise, arriving late in the mosque and missing the khutbah can also invalidate your Jumma prayers.

Using mobile phone

Using mobile phones or being distracted by anything else, is one of the most common mistakes, these days. It not only diverts your attention but might be a cause of disturbance for the others, as well. It is highly recommended to turn off your mobile phone, before entering the mosque.

Not offering sunnah rakats

Four rakats of sunnah prayers before Jumma prayers and two rakats after it are the essential parts of the Jumma prayers. Missing any of these will result in the invalidation of your Jumma prayers.

Neglecting cleanliness and adequate dressing

Taking a Ritual Bath (Ghusl) and wearing decent and clean clothes are included in the pre-requisites of the performance of Jumma prayer. One should ensure that cleanliness and proper dress are ensured while proceeding to the mosque for Jumma prayer. Any slackness or deviation may deprive you of the benefits of the Jumma prayer.

Offer Jumma Salat to Gain the Favor of Allah

Jumma prayer is obligatory for all adult men, instead of regular Dhuhr prayer, specifically on Fridays. It is a communal prayer, which can only be offered in a mosque congregation behind an Imam. Although women are exempted from its compulsory performance, they are allowed and encouraged to attend this most important and highly virtuous prayer.

Jumma prayer is not just a routine worship; it holds great significance and virtues. Friday is a highly virtuous day of the week in Islamic theology, as so many historic events are associated with it. Accordingly, the Jumma prayer also brings huge benefits for the believers during their current life and the life hereafter. Offering Jumma prayer in congregations provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to build a vibrant community. It also facilitates them to develop strong bonds with each other, making them an important part of the entire Muslim community.

It is also important for Muslims to observe Jumma's sanctity under all circumstances. Even if one is not attending the Jumma prayer in a mosque, he must maintain the spirit of this day. Remember, attending the Jumma prayer is made obligatory in Islam. Try to perform this prayer, with full devotion; it would bring you countless rewards in this world and in the life hereafter. 

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