The Prescribed Prayer: Chapter Two (cont.)


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SALAATUL JUM'AH (FRIDAY PRAYER)

Salaatul Jum'ah is the weekly congregational prayer offered on Friday at the time of Zuhr. Jum'ah substitutes for Zuhr prayer when said in a congregation. Al-Quran has enjoined the Muslims to observe Jum'ah services regularly in groups:

"O believers, when the call is given for the Friday prayer, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave your trading, this is best for you, if you but know it." (Al-Quran, 62:9)

There are several Hadeeth that emphasize the excellence of Yamul Jum'ah, Friday, among them Hadeeth in which the Prophet said:

"Friday is the master of the days and it is biggest in the sight of Allah, it is bigger in the sight of Allah than 'Eidul Fitr and 'Eidul Adhaa..." (Ahmad)

This is why the supplications are highly recommended on Friday, especially in the last minutes of the day.

Also, Salaatu 'Alan Nabiyy, envoking Allah's blessings on Prophet Muhammad, is strongly encouraged during the days and nights of Friday.

Recitation of Suuratul Khaf, the Cave, chapter 18, is recommended on Friday.

SALAATUL JUM'AH IS MANDATORY

It is Sunnah to have Ghusl, a complete bath, on Friday as well as putting on one's best dress before attending Al-Masjid. Wuduu is mandatory for Jum'ah.

As one enters Al-Masjid on Friday, or any day for that matter, the first thing one may do is to greet Al-Masjid with two raka'aats and then sit down for Jum'ah to start.

While waiting, one may recite Al-Quran or listen to it being recited; as the time approaches, the Muadhdhin announces the first Adhaan. The worshippers may then offer their Sunnah.

The Imaam may come out at any moment after the first Adhaan; as he approaches the Minbar, he faces the worshipers and greets them with:
As-Salaamu 'Alaikum Peace be on you.

He then sits down facing the Muslims. At this moment, the second Adhaan is announced, and the Imaam begins the Khutbah.

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