How to Pray Jummah

Jummah is fard for every free, adult, sane Muslim man who is a resident and can reach the mosque safely. The Quran (62:9) commands leaving trade when the Friday call is made. Women, travellers, the ill, and those with a genuine hardship excuse are exempt — they pray Dhuhr — and are still welcome if they attend.

Ghusl, clean clothes, going early, reciting Surah al-Kahf, and abundant salawat on the Prophet ﷺ are the emphasised Friday Sunnahs. None of these replace the 2 fard rak'ahs. If you only have time for one thing besides the prayer, go early enough to hear both khutbahs in silence.

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  Perform Ghusl (ritual bath)

  It is Sunnah to perform a full Ghusl on Friday morning before Jummah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The Friday bath is obligatory on every adult Muslim.' (Bukhari, Muslim)

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  Cut nails, use Miswak, apply perfume

  It is Sunnah to trim nails, clean teeth with a Miswak, and apply perfume (for men). Dress in your best clothes, preferably white.

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  Recite Surah al-Kahf (Chapter 18)

  'Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the night of Friday or Friday itself, Allah will provide a light for him between him and the Ancient House (Ka'bah).' (Al-Bayhaqi). This is one of the most emphasised Sunnahs of Friday.

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  Go to the mosque early

  Arrive before the Adhan. The earlier you arrive, the greater the reward. The Prophet ﷺ described the reward decreasing in steps for those who arrive later.

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  Send abundant Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ

  'Send Salawat upon me abundantly on Fridays, for your Salawat are presented to me.' (Abu Dawud, authenticated). Recite: Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa-ali Muhammad.

Optional Sunnah before the imam ascends; then two khutbahs with a brief sitting between them; then the iqamah and 2 fard rak'ahs recited aloud. Talking during the khutbah is forbidden — even telling someone to be quiet. After the fard, pray the recommended Sunnah according to your school.

1. 1

   Sunnah prayers before the Khutbah

   Before the Imam begins the Khutbah, pray 2 rak'ahs of 'Tahiyyat al-Masjid' (greeting the mosque prayer). According to the Hanafi school, 4 rak'ahs of Sunnah Mu'akkadah are also prayed before the Khutbah.

2. 2

   Adhan is called — Imam takes the minbar

   When the Imam ascends the minbar (pulpit), sit down, face the Imam, and listen. Do not pray Sunnah prayers once the Khutbah has begun.

3. 3

   First Khutbah (sermon)

   Listen attentively and in silence. Talking, even reminding someone to be quiet, is forbidden during the Khutbah. Hadith: 'If you say to your companion while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah: Be quiet, you have made a vain act.' (Bukhari, Muslim).

4. 4

   Imam sits briefly — Second Khutbah

   After the first Khutbah, the Imam sits briefly, then stands and delivers the second Khutbah, typically shorter. Continue listening in silence.

5. 5

   Iqamah — 2 fard rak'ahs of Jummah

   The Iqamah is called. The Imam leads the congregation in 2 fard rak'ahs. The Imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah aloud in both rak'ahs. Follow the Imam as in any congregational prayer.

6. 6

   Sunnah prayers after Jummah

   After the fard rak'ahs, pray 4 rak'ahs of Sunnah (2+2 or 4 together — scholars differ). According to one hadith, praying 6 rak'ahs after Jummah equals 12 years of worship. (Ibn Majah).