The significance of The Jummah

It is a true saying that Allah the Almighty does not like any other act better than Salah (Prayers). The Jumuah Prayers is a congregational prayer offered by the Muslim men and women. On this day the people have to go to the mosque and pray with the Imam (the leader of the community). These prayers include the Khutba that is specially prayed on this day as a preaching in the Islamic tradition. All the localities of the city have to gather in a mosque with true respect and attend the prayers. Women are also allowed to come to the mosque as a special place is provided for them in the mosque where they can offer the Salah with other ladies as well.

The Prophet has also mentioned in his Hadiths that offering five times prayer a day and also Friday Prayer results in the expedition of sins. But only to offer the prayers on Friday and leave the rest does not mean that the Muslim should indulge in sins and think that it would be cleared any how by praying the FridaySalah. It has been mentioned by the Prophet that the best day when the sun has risen is Friday and also on that day Adam had been created by the Almighty. It is so believed that the Day of Judgment would be Friday and so people should be aware and should regret of their sins and turn towards the Almighty with due respect and obliquity.

There are many prayers suggested on this day from the Holy Quran. Some of them are as follows. Surah Zilzaal - According to the Prophet it is said that praying thisSurah on Thursday night would 15 times will protect him from the pangs of death and Allah will ease his punishments on the day off Judgement. Also if you pray this 4 times the reward given by the Almighty is equal to that of praying one whole Quran. Surah Aalah - It was the habit of the Prophet to pray this Surah in hisSalah and also on the eve of Jumuah. The Prophet always used to pray this Surah before going to sleep. Surah Dukhaan - Praying this Surah on Thursday night or on the day ofJumuah, the person will be blessed and 70 thousand angels will pray for him and ask forgiveness for him until morning. All his sins and bad deeds would be pardoned by the Almighty if a person prays this Surah. Surah Kahf - this is to be prayed on the day of Jumuah, it is said that a person who prays this Surah a shining light is created for him between his place and Makkah. All the minor sins committed by him from last Friday till today would be forgiven. Surah Jumuah - This Surah is recited especially on this day as many times you can, as it increases your rewards and forgive sins. How to Prepare Yourself for Jumuah Prayers It is very essential and a vital aspect for a person who wishes to go for a Salah, to prepare himself and purify himself before going to the mosque. The first act to start with is to get purified by having a shower and alsoablution should be performed that is called as Wuzu in simple Arabic terms. Dress yourself with clean clothes. It is very important that you should change your clothes if you have been to the office or anywhere wearing the same clothes. The application of Itr (Perfume) is also one of the main things or you can apply Kajal or Surma in your eyes as well. Leaving early from the house towards the mosque and waiting in the mosque for the prayers to begin is one of the good deeds that Allahlikes and so he rewards accordingly. Give away alms to the poor and give charity in the name of Allah is considered to be a noble act. Greet your parents and take their blessings on this day. If you can visit the mosque during the day after the prayers, do not stay behind because each of your step taken towards the mosque is rewarded and your sins are forgiven. Maintaining decorum and not talking between the prayers is a kind of etiquette one should follow. If there is a place in the front rows of the Imam you should sit there close to him whenever possible. A person should avoid stepping over people to get a particular spot in the mosque. Follow the above mentioned steps to prepare yourself for Jumuah prayers so that Allah showers lot of blessings on you. Be consistent in offering Salah onJumuah, perform good deeds and follow holy Islamic path in right manner.

Among the seven days of the week, Friday is the day when Allah's Special mercies are granted. It is a day of gathering for the Muslims and rewards are increased. Many great events took place on this day, and yet to take place.

I'll try enlightening the significance of The Jummah:

1. Allah has blessed us a complete surah about Jummah Surah Al-Jumua.

   "O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew." [Al-Quran 62:9]

2. The day of Jumu'ah includes an hour during which all supplications are accepted. Abu Hurayrah, narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said:

   "On (the day of) Jumu'ah is an hour during which Allaah gives to a Muslim servant standing in prayer whatever he asks for.”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

3. The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), said:

   “The best day the sun rises over is Friday; on it Allaah created Aadam. On it, he was made to enter paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the Last Hour will take place on no other day than Friday.”[Ahmad and At-At-Tirmithi].

4. The charity given in this day is more virtuous than the other days of a week. The Messenger (ﷺ) said:

   "Charity given during the day of Jumu'ah is greater (in reward) than any other day."

5. It is a day on which sins are forgiven, as narrated by Salmaan (Ra.) who narrated that the Prophet, (ﷺ) said:

   “Any man who performs Ghusl on Friday, perfumes himself if he has perfume, wears the best of his clothes, then goes to the mosque and offers as many prayers as he wishes while not harming anybody, then listens quietly while the Imaam speaks until he offers the prayer, will have all his sins between that Friday and the next forgiven.” [Al-Bukhaari].

6. Dying on Friday, during the day or night, is a sign of a good end, for the one who dies on that day will be protected from the trial of the grave (i.e., Allaah The Almighty will enable such a person to be steadfast during it). The Prophet, (ﷺ) said:

   “Any Muslim who dies during the day or night of Friday will be protected by Allaah from the trial of the grave.” [At-Tirmithi and Ahmad].

7. It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

   Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)