"O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew."
[Surah Al-Jumuah 62:9]
Friday is called Al-Jumu'ah because it is derived from Al-Jam', literally, gathering. The people of Islam gather weekly, on every Friday in the major places of worship.
The significance of Friday is that it was during Friday when Allah finished the creation, the sixth day, during which Allah created the heavens and earth. During Friday, Allah created Adam, and he was placed in Paradise, and ironically, it was a Friday when he was taken out of Paradise. It will be on a Friday when the Last Hour will commence. There is an hour during Friday, wherein no faithful servant asks Allah for something good, but Allah will give him what he asked for. All of this is based upon Hadiths in the authentic collections.
In the ancient language Friday was called, 'Arubah. It is a fact that previous nations were informed about Friday, but they were led astray from it. The Jews chose Saturday for their holy day, but Adam was not created on Saturday. The Christians chose Sunday, which is the day the creation was initiated. Allah chose Friday for this Ummah, because it is the day the creation was finished.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
"We are the last (to come) but the first on the Day of Resurrection, though the former nations were given the Scriptures before us. And this was their day (Friday) the celebration of which was made compulsory for them, but they differed about it. So, Allah gave us guidance to it, and all other people are coming after us: the Jews tomorrow and the Christians the day after tomorrow."
The meaning of Sa'y (hasten/proceed) here does not refer to walking quickly. It only refers to the importance of it. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab and Ibn Mas'ud - may Allah be pleased with them - recited it; as for walking in haste to the prayer, that was indeed prohibited, since it was recorded in the Two Sahihs from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said,
"When you hear the Iqamah, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not rush. And pray whatever you catch, and complete whatever you have missed."
Abu Qatadah said, "While we were praying behind the Messenger of Allah he heard commotion. At the end of the prayer, the Prophet said;
"What is the matter with you." They said, 'We hastened to the prayer.' The Prophet said,
"Don't do that. When you come for prayer, there should be tranquility upon you. Pray what remains of the prayer and complete what you have missed."
Al-Hasan commented, "By Allah! Hastening to the prayer is not accomplished by the feet. Indeed they were prohibited from coming to prayer without tranquility and dignity. Rather it is about the hearts, the intention, and the submission.''
Proceeding to prayer means that you have to hasten to the prayer with your heart and actions, and walk to it. It is recommended for those coming to the Friday prayer to perform Ghusl (taking bath) before they come. It is collected in the Two Sahihs that 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) said,
"When one of you comes to the Friday prayer, then let him perform bath."
Hence, ghusl on the day of Jumu'ah is wajib (a requirement) upon every Muslim.
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O You Who Believe
SpiritualIn the name of Allah, The Most Beneficient, The Most Merciful. Here, we will discuss the number of times Allah has directly referred to the Believers in the Qur'an and the orders He has directly betided upon us.
