The Ruling on Friday Prayer
Friday prayer, or Jumu’ah, is obligatory for every adult, sane, male Muslim who is capable of attending and is free from valid excuses that would exempt him from participation. This ruling is supported by unanimous agreement among scholars. In contrast, Friday prayer is not obligatory for women, children, or ill individuals who would face considerable hardship in attending. Additionally, it is not required for a slave, whether he is a hired worker or manumitted. Travelers and individuals with valid excuses are also excused from this prayer. It is recommended that those attending Friday prayer take a shower, wear perfume, arrive early, perform two units of prayer upon entering the mosque, make way for others, refrain from stepping over people’s shoulders, listen intently to the sermon, avoid idle chatter, and increase supplication, remembrance of Allah, and prayers upon the Prophet Muhammad.
Number of Units in Friday Prayer
Friday prayer consists of two units (rak’ahs) in which the imam recites loudly. This prayer is preceded by two sermons that are obligatory. The Friday prayer must be performed in congregation and, like other prayers, requires a sincere intention, which is settled in the heart. The imam should also have the intention of leading the prayer.
Timing of Friday Prayer
The time for Friday prayer begins after the sun has passed its zenith. If someone performs the prayer after this point, it is considered valid. However, conducting Friday prayer before the sun has set is a matter of scholarly debate, with two main positions. The first opinion asserts that Friday prayer is invalid before noon, aligning its time with that of the noon prayer (Dhuhr), which is the view of the majority, including the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Maliki schools. This opinion is upheld by most scholars. The second opinion, primarily held by the Hanbali school, states that the Friday prayer can be performed prior to noon.
The Call to Friday Prayer
There is a single call to prayer (adhan) for Friday prayer, which is considered the standard and obligatory at the time the speaker (khatib) enters. Historically, Bilal -may Allah be pleased with him- would call the adhan when the khatib entered. Later, Uthman -may Allah be pleased with him- added a second adhan to alert people before the first call, which is recommended.