What is jumu'ah, the Friday prayer?
The Friday prayer (salat al-jumu'ah) is the week's great congregational prayer. It is held in congregation shortly after the sun passes its zenith and replaces the midday prayer (dhuhr) that day. It has two parts: first the khutbah, the sermon in two halves, and then two rak'ahs of prayer behind the imam.
It is not optional. Allah commands the believers to leave everything when the call sounds:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ
"O you who believe! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade." - Quran 62:9 (al-Jumu'ah)
The Prophet ﷺ described Friday's standing among the days of the week:
"The best day on which the sun rises is Friday: on it Adam was created, on it he was admitted into Paradise, and on it he was taken out of it." - Sahih Muslim 854
And whoever tends to the Friday prayer has what lies between the Fridays forgiven:
"The five prayers, and Friday prayer to Friday prayer, are an expiation for what lies between them, so long as the major sins are avoided." - Sahih Muslim 233
The Friday prayer in congregation is a duty for adult men who are able to attend; women, children, the sick and travellers are excused yet welcome, and their prayer is valid. Whoever attends should arrive in good time, listen to the khutbah in silence and pray the two rak'ahs behind the imam.
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