Rules of Friday
The rules associated with Friday are numerous. Both the Friday prayer and the day itself carry specific regulations. Below are the key points as outlined by scholars:
Rules of Friday Prayer
Scholars have identified various rulings related to the Friday prayer, including the following:
- Obligation of Friday Prayer: Scholars unanimously agree that Friday prayer is a compulsory act for every able Muslim. It is not a substitute for the Dhuhr prayer; however, if a Muslim cannot attend, they are required to perform the Dhuhr prayer, which consists of four rak’ahs. This ruling is supported by both the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah Almighty states: (O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is pronounced on the day of Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade). In the hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: (I had the idea to command that the prayer be established, and then to go to the homes of people who do not attend the prayer and burn their houses down). Jurists have established that Friday prayer is obligatory for every Muslim man who has reached the age of legal responsibility, possesses sanity, and has the ability to attend, and resides in the city. The Prophet mentioned: (Friday is an obligation upon every Muslim in congregation, except for four categories: a slave, a woman, a child, or a sick person). As for travelers, they are not obliged to attend the Friday prayer; the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not lead Friday prayers while traveling. However, if a traveler arrives in a place where the Friday prayer is being held, they should pray with the congregation. Women, children, the sick, and travelers may attend the Friday prayer as a permission, not an obligation. Those who attend despite their excusable circumstances will have their Friday prayer count in place of the Dhuhr prayer.
- Specific Rulings for Friday Prayer: There are certain recommended practices for Friday prayer that Muslims are encouraged to observe, including:
- Taking a ritual bath, applying perfume, and wearing one’s finest clothing before heading to the mosque.
- Ensuring early arrival to the Friday prayer and listening attentively to the imam’s sermon from the beginning.
- Positioning oneself close to the imam, without causing any inconvenience to other congregants.
- Focusing on the imam’s sermon and avoiding distraction by talking or engaging in other activities during it.
- Walking to the Friday prayer whenever possible, as walking to the mosque is rewarded and raises one’s status.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized these etiquettes and Sunnahs by stating: (Whoever performs a ritual bath on Friday, arrives early, walks instead of riding, sits close to the imam, listens attentively, and does not engage in frivolous talk, will earn a reward for every step equivalent to the reward for fasting and standing in prayer).
- Some scholars believe that the reward mentioned in the previous hadith signifies the utmost rewards in the realm of virtuous deeds.
Specific Rulings for Friday
Several rulings pertain specifically to Friday itself, including:
- It is recommended for the imam to recite Surah As-Sajda and Surah Al-Insan during the Fajr prayer on Friday, following the practice of the Prophet.
- It is prescribed to increase prayers and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad on the night and day of Friday. Although sending blessings on the Prophet is commendable at all times, it holds greater merit and rewards on Friday. The hadith states: (The best of your days is Friday, so increase your prayers upon me on that day, for they are presented to me).
- Identifying the moment of supplication that is readily accepted on Friday. According to scholarly opinions, this moment is likely between the imam’s seating on the pulpit and the conclusion of the prayer, as well as during the last hour of the afternoon prayer.
- Muslims are encouraged to recite Surah Al-Kahf on Fridays.