Remembrances of Friday Night
Allah, the Almighty, has made it clear that Friday is one of the blessed days in which it is recommended to engage in abundant remembrance of Him. He stated: And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek the bounty of Allah; and remember Allah much that you may succeed.
This article presents a collection of recommended remembrances and actions that a Muslim can perform on the night of Friday.
Increased Salutation upon the Prophet
One of the best practices on the night of Friday is to increase salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is in accordance with Allah’s command in the Holy Quran: Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his companions to frequently send blessings upon him on Fridays, saying: The best of your days is Friday. On that day, Adam was created, and on that day he passed away. It is the day when the horn will be blown and the day of resurrection. So send abundant blessings upon me during this day, for your prayers are presented to me.
This virtue extends to the night preceding Friday as well. In a lesser-known hadith, which is acceptable in the context of virtuous deeds, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Increase your prayers upon me during the blessed night and the bright day, which are Friday night and Friday.
There are various ways to send salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), including:
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O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
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O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad the unlettered Prophet and the family of Muhammad.
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O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Majestic. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Majestic.
Recitation of Surah Al-Kahf
It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kahf on the night of Friday or on the day itself. This practice is supported by the consistency of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in reading this surah and his encouragement to his companions, as he said:
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Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on the night of Friday, a light will shine for him from between him and the ancient house.
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Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him between the two Fridays.
Increased Supplication
The night of Friday is a time when supplications are likely to be answered. It has been confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night, remaining until there is one-third of the night left, and says: Who is supplicating to Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me, so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?
One of the times for answered prayers on Friday is the last hour of the afternoon. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mentioned Friday, saying: There is an hour on that day when no Muslim servant stands in prayer, asking Allah for something, without being granted it, and he signaled with his hand to indicate its brevity.
Recommended Qur’anic Recitations on Friday Night
It has been reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would recite specific surahs during the Maghrib and Isha prayers on the night of Friday. Jabir ibn Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would recite in the Maghrib prayer on Friday night: Say, O disbelievers and Say, He is Allah, [Who is] One, and he would recite in the Isha prayer on Friday night: Friday and The Hypocrites.