All the days of the week are cherished and significant for Muslims around the world but Friday is very unique. By the Holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) mentioned, that this day stands as a beacon of blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual rewards.
What makes Friday of Jumu’ah so special? In this article, we will uncover the 16 specialties of Friday, that why it is regarded as the best day of the week.
1. Friday is an Eid day for Muslims
Muslims celebrate Eid after year, but Friday is also considered as the day of Eid for Muslims after the week. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Friday is the day of Eid for the Muslims.” (Ibn-e-Majah, vol. 2, p. 16,Hadith 1098).
Friday is the day of joy, unity, and reflection. Friday is the time for all Muslims to come together for the Friday prayer (Jumu’ah), and a special moment to seek Allah’s blessings.
After Friday prayer they meet each other and embrace like after the prayer of Eid.
2. Friday is the chief of All Days
Friday is titled Sayyid al-Ayyam ،سيد الأيام meaning it is the most important day of the week. Friday is assigned as the chief of all the days. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of days on which the sun rises is the day of Friday.” (Muslim, p. 331, Hadith 1977). It is a day to connect with loved ones, most importantly with Allah, and a day to reflect.
3. The Best Day for Worship
In Islam, Friday is considered the most virtuous day for worship. About Friday Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought attention to, “The best day on which the sun rises is the day of Friday.“(Muslim, p. 331, Hadith 1977)
This makes the day to engage in prayer, listen to the Friday sermon, and spend time in gratitude.
3. A Day of Forgiveness
Every moment on Friday brings immense mercy from Allah. According to the Hadith, “600 people are freed from Hell every moment of Friday, including the night of Friday.” (Musnad Abi Ya’la, vol. 3, p. 235, Hadith 3471). This means that Friday offers countless opportunities for forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
4. A Bastion of Reward for Devout Acts
Performing simple acts of devotion on Friday brings extraordinary rewards. If you take a bath (ghusl), walk early to the mosque, listen attentively to the sermon, and avoid unnecessary activities, you will earn the reward of fasting and worship for an entire year with every step you take! (Ibn-e-Majah, vol. 2, p. 10, Hadith 1087).
5. Hell’s Gates Are Closed on Fridays
On Friday, Hell is not heated up, and its gates are closed. It’s a time for Muslims to find peace and avoid the distractions of the worldly affairs that often pull us away from spiritual mindfulness. (Musnad Al-Shamiyeen, vol. 2, p. 238, Hadith 9512).
6. The Reward of 70 Fridays
The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that “One Friday with an Imamah (leading the prayer) is equivalent to 70 Fridays without an Imamah.” (Kanz-ul-Ummal, vol. 15, p. 133,Hadith 41131). Leading or attending the Jumu’ah prayer is therefore a deeply rewarding act of worship.
7. Salvation from the Grave’s Trial
If a Muslim passes away on the day or night of Friday, they are protected from the trial of the grave. (Tirmizi, vol. 2, p. 339,Hadith 1076). This divine protection highlights the spiritual power of Friday and serves as a reminder of the preciousness of this day.
8. The Hajj of the Poor
The pilgrimage is obligatory for a person who has the requirements commit to Hajj. But if the person is poor and can’t afford pilgrimage,
, Friday acts as a substitute for Hajj. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Friday is the Hajj of the poor.” (Jami’-us-Sagheer, p. 221, Hadith 3635, Hadith 3046). This emphasizes the accessibility of spiritual rewards, regardless of one’s material wealth.
9. A Reward Comparable to Umrah
If you wait for the Asar prayer after Friday’s congregational prayer, you will earn the reward of performing Umrah. (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 3, p. 115). This highlights how special Friday is and how much reward is up for grabs with even the smallest act of worship.
10. A Time When Supplications Are Accepted
Friday is very special because Allah promised to accept all supplications, during the special moments of Friday. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is an hour on Friday in which Allah will grant whatever a Muslim asks for.” (Muslim, p. 330, Hadith 1973). This makes Friday the perfect day to make dua (supplication) and seek Allah’s mercy.
11. Abandoning Friday Prayer Comes with Consequences
Many people without any valid excuse neglect the Friday Prayer, and they will face terrible consequences. The Prophet (PBUH) warned: “Those who abandon Friday prayer will have a seal placed on their hearts, and they will be counted among the heedless.” (Muslim, p. 433,Hadith 2002). This serves as a reminder of the importance of Jumu’ah.
12. Expiation/Penance for Missing Friday Prayer
If the Friday prayer is missed without any valid excuse, they are required to give penance (charity)—one dinar or half a dinar—as a form of expiation. (Abu Dawood, vol. 1, p. 393, Hadith 1053). This highlights the gravity of missing the Friday prayer and the opportunity to atone for it.
13. The Day of Judgment Will Be on a Friday
The Day of Judgment will occur on a Friday, underscoring the significance of this day in Islamic tradition. (Muslim, p. 331, Hadith 1977). This serves as a powerful reminder to live each Friday with mindfulness, preparing for the hereafter.
14. The Reward of Martyrdom
Anyone who passes away on a Friday is said to receive the reward of a martyr (shaheed). The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever dies on Friday will receive the reward of martyrdom.” (Mirqat-ul-Mafatih, vol. 3, p. 461). This provides a sense of comfort and hope, knowing that this day carries such immense blessings.
15. Shining on the Day of Judgment
On the Day of Judgment, Allah will raise all days in their forms, and Friday will shine bright like no other. (Al-Mustadrak-lil-Haakim, vol. 1, p. 567,Hadith 1066). This highlights the everlasting significance of Friday and its eternal radiance in the sight of Allah.
Why is Friday So Important for Muslims?
Friday is very important for Muslims, it is a day of reflection, immense rewards, and mercy. The importance of Friday in Islam goes beyond the prayers and rituals. Friday serves as a reminder every week to seek forgiveness, make dua, and connect with Allah. The prayer of Friday is the time for spiritual rejuvenation (energy) and the reminder of the eternal rewards that wait for Muslims to owe them faithfully.
Rituals and Customs of Friday
Muslim’s important day is Friday, at this day they celebrate in meaningful ways that are below:
- Perform Ghusl (ritual washing): On the day of Friday a person should perform Ghusal which is recommended by the Prophet (PBUH). It is the purification for the Friday prayer.
- Attend Friday prayer: After washing one should attend the prayer at the mosque. These congregational prayers hold numerous rewards.
- Recite Surah Al-Kahf: After offering prayer or before offering prayer one should recite Surah Al-Kahf. It is very beneficial and it is also the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
- Keep calling Allah: As it is clear that there is a special hour on Friday when Allah grants the requests. Take advantage of those special moments and be engaged in Dua.
Also Read: Nouman Ali Khan: Islamic Religious Scholar
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