# How to Pray Jummah — Friday Prayer Guide | UK Prayer Times

> A complete guide to Jummah (Friday) prayer — who it is obligatory for, how it differs from Dhuhr, the khutbah, the 2 rak'ahs, and Sunnah acts of Friday.

*Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/how-to-pray-jummah · Independent, free UK prayer times.*

---

🕌 Jummah Guide

# How to Pray Jummah

Quick Answer

Jummah is the Friday congregational prayer — 2 fard rak'ahs with a khutbah (sermon), replacing Dhuhr for adult Muslim men. UK Prayer Times explains who must attend, Sunnah preparation, the khutbah etiquette, and what to recite on the best day of the week.

Last updated 11 August 2026

A complete guide to Friday prayer — who must attend, the Sunnah preparation, the khutbah, the 2 fard rak'ahs, and what to recite on the best day of the week.

> "O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is best for you if only you knew."
> 
> — Quran 62:9 (Al-Jumu'ah)

## Who Must Attend Jummah?

✓ Obligatory for

-   ✓Adult Muslim men
-   ✓Residents (not travellers)
-   ✓Those who are healthy
-   ✓Those who can safely reach the mosque

◦ Exempt (encouraged to attend)

-   ◦Women (Jummah is valid but not obligatory)
-   ◦Travellers (pray Dhuhr instead)
-   ◦The ill or those who would miss work without serious hardship
-   ◦Those in areas without a mosque within reasonable distance

## Sunnah Acts of Friday

Recommended acts before and after Jummah prayer

-   🚿
    
    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)
    
-   ✂️
    
    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.
    
-   📖
    
    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.
    
-   🕌
    
    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.
    
-   🤲
    
    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.
    

## How Jummah Prayer Works

The structure of Friday prayer at the mosque

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).
    

## Jummah Rak'ah Summary

| Prayer stage | Rak'ahs | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Before Khutbah (Hanafi) | 4 | Sunnah Mu'akkadah |
| Tahiyyat al-Masjid | 2 | Sunnah (recommended) |
| Jummah Fard (after Khutbah) | 2 | Fard (obligatory) |
| After Jummah (1st set) | 4 | Sunnah Mu'akkadah |
| After Jummah (2nd set) | 2 | Sunnah |

## Jummah FAQs

How many rak'ahs is Jummah prayer?

The obligatory (fard) part of Jummah is 2 rak'ahs, prayed after the two khutbahs. These 2 rak'ahs replace the 4 fard rak'ahs of Dhuhr for those who attend Jummah. Additional Sunnah prayers are highly recommended before and after.

Is Jummah prayer compulsory?

Yes. Jummah is obligatory (fard) for every adult Muslim man who is a resident, healthy, and able to attend. The Quran (62:9) commands believers to go to the remembrance of Allah when the Friday call to prayer is made. Women, travellers, and the ill are exempt but are encouraged to attend.

What time is Jummah prayer in the UK?

Jummah prayer in the UK is typically held between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM, depending on the mosque and the season (Dhuhr time changes throughout the year). Most UK mosques hold Jummah at 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, or 2:00 PM, often with multiple sessions. Check your local mosque's page for accurate times.

Do you pray Dhuhr after Jummah?

No — Jummah replaces Dhuhr on Fridays for those who attend. However, if you missed Jummah entirely, pray 4 rak'ahs of Dhuhr instead.

What are the Sunnah prayers on Friday?

4 rak'ahs Sunnah before the Khutbah (Hanafi), 2 rak'ahs Tahiyyat al-Masjid upon entering the mosque, 4 rak'ahs after the 2 fard rak'ahs, and 2 more at home. Reciting Surah al-Kahf on Friday is one of the most emphasised weekly Sunnahs.

[🕌 Find Jummah times near you](/jummah) [📖 How to pray Salah](/how-to-pray-salah)