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
Adhan (Call to Prayer)
The Islamic call to prayer, recited by a muezzin.
Salaf (The Pious Predecessors)
The first three generations of Muslims: sahabah, tabi'in, and tabi' al-tabi'in.
Isnad (Chain of Narration)
The chain of narrators connecting a hadith back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Sunan Ibn Majah (Ibn Majah's Hadith Collection)
The sixth of the canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with unique narrations.
Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
The exclamation "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking transitions in the prayer.