Etiquettes of Friday: How to Enhance Your Worship on This Blessed Day

Friday (Yawm al-Jum’ah) is a blessed day in Islam, distinguished by specific etiquettes and Sunnah acts that believers should observe to gain immense rewards. In this article, we will explore the most important etiquettes of Friday, supported by Prophetic hadiths.

Reciting Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Al-Insan in Fajr Prayer

One of the recommended Sunnah acts on Friday is to recite Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Al-Insan during the Fajr prayer. It is narrated in Sahih Muslim from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite in the Fajr prayer on Friday:

  • ﴾Alif, Lam, Meem. [This is] the revelation of the Book about which there is no doubt from the Lord of the worlds.﴿ [Quran, As-Sajdah: 1-2]

  • ﴾Has there [not] come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing [even] mentioned?﴿ [Quran, Al-Insan: 1]

This practice enhances the spiritual connection with the Holy Quran and highlights the significance of Friday.

Increasing Prayers upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Friday and the night preceding it are among the best times to increase sending prayers (Salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is narrated in a hadith from Aws ibn Aws (narrated by An-Nasa’i):
“Among the best of your days is Friday. On it, Adam was created, on it he died, on it the trumpet will be blown, and on it the cry will be made. So, increase your prayers upon me, for your prayers are presented to me.”

Al-Bayhaqi also narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Increase your prayers upon me on the day of Friday and the night of Friday. Whoever sends one prayer upon me, Allah will send ten prayers upon him.”

Ibn al-Qayyim said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is the master of mankind, and Friday is the master of days. Therefore, sending prayers upon him on this day has a special merit, as every good that this Ummah has received in this world and the Hereafter is because of him.”

Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath) on Friday

Performing Ghusl on Friday is a highly emphasized Sunnah, with some scholars considering it obligatory. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Ghusl on Friday is obligatory for every adult, as well as using a siwak (tooth-stick) and applying perfume if available.”

This act of purification renews one’s energy and promotes physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Using Perfume, Siwak, and Wearing One’s Best Clothes

Among the beautiful etiquettes of Friday is to adorn oneself by using perfume, cleaning one’s teeth with a siwak, and wearing the best available clothes. It is narrated in Musnad Imam Ahmad from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri and Abu Huraira that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever takes a bath on Friday, uses a siwak, applies perfume if he has any, wears his best clothes, then goes out to the mosque… it will be an expiation for his sins between that Friday and the previous one.”

These practices reflect Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness and a presentable appearance.

Reading Surah Al-Kahf

Reciting Surah Al-Kahf on Friday is a highly recommended Sunnah. It is narrated from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri in Sunan Al-Hakim that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine for him between the two Fridays.”

Reading Surah Al-Kahf illuminates the heart and provides protection from trials (fitnah).

Going Early to the Friday Prayer (Jummah)

Going early to the Jummah prayer is a great Sunnah that multiplies the reward. It is narrated in Musnad Imam Ahmad from Aws ibn Abi Aws that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“If it is Friday, and one of you washes his head and performs Ghusl, then goes early, arriving early, walks and does not ride, sits close to the Imam, listens attentively, and does not speak, he will have for every step he takes the reward of a year’s fasting and praying.”

It is also narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Abu Huraira that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday like the Ghusl for Janabah and then goes to the prayer, it is as if he has sacrificed a camel…”

Allah says: ﴾And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth.﴿ [Quran, Al ‘Imran: 133].

Tips to Enhance Your Friday Experience

  • Time Management: Set aside time to prepare for the Friday prayer early to avoid being late.

  • Supplication (Du’a): Seize the hour of acceptance on Friday to pray for your needs and desires.

  • Spiritual Reflection: Read the Quran and ponder its meanings to strengthen your connection with Allah.

Conclusion

Friday is a magnificent opportunity to renew one’s faith and increase rewards. By adhering to these etiquettes, a believer can draw closer to Allah and attain the blessings of this sacred day. We ask Allah to grant us the ability to seize the virtues of Friday and to accept our righteous deeds.