How to Pray Jumu'ah? Step by Step
1. Prepare at home. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged a full-body purification (ghusl) before the Friday prayer:
"Ghusl on Friday is an obligation upon every adult." - Sahih al-Bukhari 858, Sahih Muslim 846
Wear clean clothes, use perfume if you like, and go to the mosque early. Arriving early has its own reward:
"When Friday comes, angels stand at the door of the mosque and record the first comers, then those who come next. When the Imam sits down, they close their records and listen to the reminder." - Sahih al-Bukhari 929, Sahih Muslim 850
2. During the khutbah: listen in silence. The khutbah is a part of worship, not a waiting period. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized silence so strongly that even telling someone else to be quiet is considered unnecessary talk (Sahih al-Bukhari 934, Sahih Muslim 851). Read more in our article about adab during the khutbah.
3. The prayer: two rak'at behind the Imam. After the second part of the khutbah, the Friday prayer is performed: two rak'at where the Imam recites aloud. It replaces the dhuhr prayer of the day.
4. Afterwards. Allah describes how the day continues once the prayer is over:
فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ
"And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah." - Quran 62:10 (al-Jumu'ah)
Friday also contains a moment when du'as are answered (Sahih al-Bukhari 935, Sahih Muslim 852), and the Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to send abundant salawat upon him on Friday (Abu Dawud 1047, authentic).
Next Friday: read the khutbah live in your language
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