Taking Juma’at (Friday) Prayers Seriously

  

“The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and also cleaning of teeth with Siwak and using perfume, if available.” [Sahih Bukhari]

 

As Muslims, we believe that the greatest day of the week is Friday. It is a special day in which we can earn awesome rewards that we cannot earn in any other day of the week.

Allah says in the Quran 62, Suratul al-Jumu’ah verse 9:

“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah (prayer) on Friday (Jumuah prayer).

Come to the remembrance of Allah [Juma’at service (Khutbah) and Salah (prayer)] and leave off business (or all other dealings). That is better for you if you did but know!”

And to add to the importance of this day, Allah places huge reward on coming early to the Mosque for Juma’at service. In Sahih Bukhari, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said:

“When it is Jumuah, the Angels stand at the gate of the masjid and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the masjid in succession according to their arrivals.

The example of the one who enters the masjid in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice);

The one coming next is like one offering a cow,

And then a ram; and then a chicken; and then an egg respectively.

When the Imam comes out (for Jumu’ah sermon) they (i.e. Angels) fold their papers and listen to the sermon.”

Imagine that!

Earning reward of giving a camel or cow in charity, just for coming early to the mosque on Friday. Now, if Allah can give such a huge reward for punctuality, imagine what the rewards of the prayer itself will be.

Based on these compelling evidences, I hope that we will overcome negligence on this great day to reap bountiful harvest for our souls in the book of Life.