Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer)
The weekly congregational prayer on Friday, which replaces Dhuhr.
Jumu'ah (Arabic: جمعة) is the weekly congregational prayer performed on Friday. Friday is the most important day of the week for Muslims, and the Jumu'ah prayer is obligatory for all adult men who are able to attend.
Jumu'ah replaces the Dhuhr prayer on Fridays and consists of two rak'ah (instead of Dhuhr's four), preceded by a khutbah (sermon) in two parts. The imam delivers the sermon, which typically covers Islamic topics, moral guidance and current issues for the Muslim community.
The Quran says: "O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business" (Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:9). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The best day on which the sun rises is Friday."
It is sunnah to bathe, use fragrance, and wear one's best clothes for Jumu'ah. Jumu'ah is held at local mosques, typically around 12:30-13:30 depending on the mosque and the season.
Related terms
Salat al-Ayat (Prayer of the Signs)
An obligatory prayer performed during natural phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses.
Haram (Forbidden)
Actions that are strictly forbidden in Islamic law.
Du'a al-Faraj (The Supplication of Deliverance)
A short, powerful supplication for Imam al-Mahdi's appearance and deliverance from suffering.
Tashahhud (Testimony of Faith in Prayer)
The testimony of faith recited in the sitting position during prayer.
Ziyarah (Visitation Prayer)
Visitation and greeting to the Prophet, the Imams, and holy persons at their graves.
Arba'een (The 40th Day)
The 40th day after Imam Husayn's martyrdom, marked by the world's largest pilgrimage.