Excellence of Reciting Durud Sharif on Friday
The Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah ﷺ said, ‘The one who recites Durud Sharif 200 times upon me on Friday, his 200 years’ sins will be forgiven.’ (Kanz-ul-‘Ummah, pp. 256, vol. 1, Hadis 2238)
Dear Islamic brothers! How fortunate we are Allahعزوجل has blessed us with the favor of Jumu’a-tul-Mubarak for the sake of His beloved Rasul ﷺ. Regretfully, like other ordinary days, we spend even Friday heedlessly whereas it is a day of Eid, it is superior to all other days, the fire of Hell is not blazed up on Friday and the gates of Hell are not opened on Friday night. On the day of resurrection, Friday will be brought in the form of a bride; the fortunate Muslim dying on Friday attains the rank of martyrdom and remains safe from the torment of the grave.
The renowned Mufassir, Hakim-ul-Ummat, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khanرحمۃُ اللہ تَعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “The Sawab of the Hajj performed on Friday is equivalent to that of 70 Hajj as the Sawab of a single good deed performed on Friday is enhanced 70 times.” (As Friday is an immensely sacred day, therefore,) The punishment of a sin committed on Friday as also increased 70 times. (Derived from Mirah, vol. 2, pp. 323, 325, 336)
How can words express the excellence of Friday! By the name of Jumuah, Allah عزوجل has revealed a complete Surah that is present in the 28th part of the Holy Quran. Allah عزوجل says the 9th Ayah of Sura-tul-Jumuah:
When did our Prophet ﷺ Perform his First Jumuah Salah?
Hadrat ‘Allamah Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Naim-ud-Din Muradabadi عَلیہِ رَحمَۃُ اللہِ الھَادِی says, “When Makki Madani Mustafa ﷺ was on his way to Madinah for migration, he stopped at a place called Quba at the time of “Chasht” on Monday, 12th Rabi’-ul-Awwal. He ﷺ stayed there for four days (Monday to Thursday); during the stay, he ﷺ laid the foundation stone of a Masjid. On Friday, he ﷺ proceeded towards Madinah. When they reached the area of the Bani Salim Ibn-e-‘Awf, it was time to offer the Jumuah Salah; people consecrated that place of Masjid where the Holy Prophet ﷺ offered the (first) Jumuah Salah and delivered a sermon.” (Khazain-ul-‘Irfan, p. 665)
اَلحمدُللہ عَزوجَل! The glorious Masjid-e-Jumuah still exists there; the visitors behold the Masjid for the attainment of blessings and offer Nafl Salah over there.
Meaning of the Word Jumuah
The renowned Mufassir, Hakim-ul-Ummat Hadrat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan عَلَیہِ رَحمۃُ الحَنان writes, “As all the creatures assembled in their beings on this day and the completion of the creation took place on the very same day, clay for Hadrat Sayyiduna Adamعلیہ السلام was also collected on this day; similarly, people congregate and perform the Friday
Salah on this day; therefore, it is called Jumuah on account of the aforementioned reasons. Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs used to call it ‘Arubah.” (Mirat-ul Manajih, pp. 317, vol. 2)
How Many Times Exalted Rasul Offered Jumuah Salah?
The Rasul of mankind, the peace of our heart and mind, the most generous and kind ﷺ offered almost 500 Jumuah Salah in his apparent life as offering of Jumuah Salah commenced subsequent to the migration after which the total period of the apparent life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ is ten years and there are 500 Fridays in ten years’ period. (Mirah, vol. 2, pp. 346, Lam’at, vol. 4, pp. 190, Hadis 1415)
Seal on Heart
Makki Madani Mustafa ﷺ said, “The one abandoning three Jumuah’s Salah out of laziness, Allah عزوجل will seal his heart.” (Jami’ Tirmizi, pp. 38, vol. 2, Hadis 500)
Jumuah Salah is Fard-e-‘Ain and its Fardiyyat (obligation) is more emphatic than that of Sala-tul-Zuhar; the denier of its obligation is Kafir (disbeliever). (Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 5, vol. 3, Bahar-e-Shariat, pp. 762, vol. 1)
The Excellence of Wearing Turban on Friday
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “Indeed, Allah عزوجل and His Angels send Durud upon those who wear turban on Friday.” (Majma’-uz-Zawaid, pp. 394, vol. 2, Hadis 3075)
Cure is Bestowed
Hadrat Sayyiduna Humaid bin ‘Abd-ur-Rahmanرَضیَ اللہ عَنھَا narrates via his father, “The one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عزوجل will remove his disease and bless him with cure.” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, pp. 65, vol. 2)
Protection from Afflictions up to Ten Days
Sadr-us-Shariah Hadrat Maulana Muhammad Amjab ‘Ali A’zami رَحمَۃُ اللہ تَعَالیٰ عَلَیہ states, “A blessed Hadis says that the one who trims his nails on Friday, Allah عزوجل will protect him from afflictions up to the next Friday including three more days, i.e. ten days in total.
In accordance with one more narration, ‘The one trimming his nails on Friday, mercy will approach (him) and (his) sins will be removed. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 226, part. 16, Dur-re-Mukhtar-o-Rad-dul-Muhtar, pp. 668, 669, vol. 9)
It is preferable to have hair and nails trimmed after Jumuah Salah. (Durr-e-Mukhtar ma’ Rad-dul-Muhtar, V9, P581, Multan)
A Cause of Reduction in Sustenance
Sadr-ush-Shari’ah Hadrat Maulana Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali A’zami رَحمۃُاللہ تَعَالیٰ عَلَیہ says, “Although it is preferable to trim nails on Friday, yet if the nails are very long; one should not wait till Friday as growing long nails is a cause of reduction in sustenance.” (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 225, part. 16)
Angels Write the Names of the Fortunate Ones
The beloved and blessed Prophet ﷺ said, “On the day of Friday, the angels deputed at gateway of the Masjid write the names of comers. The early comer is like the one who gives Sadaqah of a camel in the path of Allah عَزوجَل. The next comer is like the one who gives a cow and then the next one is like the donor of a sheep; then the next one is like the donor of a hen and then the next one is like that of an egg. When the Imam sits (to deliver the sermon), the angels close the books of deeds and come to listen to the sermon.” (Sahih Bukhari, pp. 319, vol. 1, Hadiš 929)
The renowned Mufassir, Hakim-ul-Ummat Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na‘imi رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “Some Scholars have said that the angels stay (at the doors of the Masjid) from dawn whereas some other opine they stay from sunrise; the stronger opinion, however, is that they come and stay when the sun begins to decline (from zenith) because it is the instant when timing of Jumuah (Salah) begins.” The foregoing narration also clearly indicates that those angels know the names of every comer. It is noteworthy that if 100 people enter the Masjid initially, they all would be regarded as the first-comer. (Mirat-ul Manajih, pp. 335, vol. 2)
The Enthusiasm for Offering Jumuah Salah in the First Century
Hujja-tul-Islam Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “During the first century, people used to proceed towards the Main Masjid at the time of Sahri and after Salah-tul-Fajr holding lamps in their hands for offering Salah-tul Jumuah. There used to be so huge crowd in the streets that it would seem as if it was the day of Eid, but gradually, this spirit died out. Thus, it is said that the very first Bid’at(innovation) that evolved in Islam is the abandonment of early proceeding towards the Main Masjid. Regretfully, the Muslims do not feel ashamed that Jews proceed towards their places of worship in the early morning on Saturday and Sunday; further, seekers of worldly luxuries also head towards the marketplace in the early morning for trading and earning wealth; so, why don’t the seekers of the Hereafter compete with such people!” (Ihya-ul-‘Ulum, pp. 246, vol. 1)
Hajj of the Poor
Hazrat Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas رَضی اللہ عَنھُمَا narrates that the Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most generous and kind ﷺ said:
Sala-tul-Jumuah is the Hajj of Masakin (destitute) (Tarikh-e-Dimshq, vol. 38, pp. 431) and in another narration, it is stated that Sala-tul-Jumuah is the Hajj of Fuqarah (poor).
(Kanz-ul-‘Ummah, pp. 290, vol. 7, Hadis 21027)
Proceeding for Jumuah Salah early is Equivalent to Hajj
The beloved and blessed Prophet ﷺ said, “No doubt, there is one Hajj and one ‘Umrah for you on every Friday. Therefore, early proceeding for Sala-tul-Jumuah is (equivalent to) Hajj and waiting for ‘Asr Salah having offered Sala-tul-Jumuah is (equivalent to) ‘Umrah.”
(Sunan Kubra, pp. 342, vol. 3, Hadiš 5950)
The Šawab of Hajj and ‘Umrah’
Hujja-tul-Islam Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali عَلَیہِ رَحمۃُ اللہِ الوَالی says, “(Having offered Sala-tul-Jumuah) one should remain in the Masjid till Sala-tul-‘Asr and staying in the Masjid till Sala-tul-Maghrib is even more preferable. It is said that the one who offers Sala-tul-Jumuah in the Main Masjid, stays there afterwards and offers Sala-tul-‘Asr in the same Main Masjid, there is the Šawab of Hajj for him, and the one who stays till Sala-tul-Maghrib and offers Maghrib Salah in the same Masjid, there is the Šawab of Hajj and ‘Umrah for him.” (Ihya-ul-‘Ulum, pp. 249, vol. 1) A Masjid where Sala-tul-Jumuah is offered is called a Jama’ (Main) Masjid.
The Superior Day
The Prophet of mankind, the peace of our heart and mind, the most generous and kind ﷺ said, “Friday is superior to all other days; it is most magnificent (of all days) in the court of Allah عَزوجَل. It is superior to even Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr. It has five particular features:
- Allah عَزوجَل created Sayyiduna Adam عَلیہِ السلاَم on this day.
- Sayyiduna Adam عَلیہِ السلاَم descended upon the earth on this day.
- Sayyiduna Adam عَلیہِ السلاَم passed away on the same day.
- On Friday, there is one such moment in which if someone prays for anything, he will be granted whatever he asked for, provided he does not ask for anything Haram.
- The Judgment Day will take place on Friday.
There is no such distinguished angel, the sky, the earth, wind, mountain and river that does not fear Friday.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, pp. 8, vol. 2, Hadis 1084)
According to another narration, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “There is no animal that does not scream from dawn to sunrise every Friday out of the fear of the Day of Judgment, except man and Jin.”
(Muata Imam Malik, pp. 115, vol. 1, Hadis 246)
Supplications are Fulfilled
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “On Friday, there is one such a moment which if a Muslim gets and asks Allah عَزوجَل for anything in that moment, Allah عَزوجَل will definitely grant him. That moment is very short.” (Sahih Muslim, pp. 424, Hadiš 852)
Saying of the Author of Bahar-e-Shariat
Hadrat Sadr-ush-Shariah Maulana Muhammad Amjad ‘Ali A’zami رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “There are two very strong statements concerning the instant in which supplication is fulfilled (on Friday):
- From the moment when the Imam sits for the sermon to the end of the Salah.
- The last instant of Friday.
(Bahar-e-Shariat, pp. 754, vol. 1)
Which the Moment of Acceptance?
The renowned Mufassir Hakim-ul-Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naimi رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “At night there comes a moment during which Du’a (supplication) is answered but Friday is the only day which has such a moment during the day time. However, it is not known for sure as to which moment it actually is. The strong likelihood is that it is either between two sermons or a short while before Maghrib.” Commenting on another Hadis, the reverent Mufti says that there are forty different opinions of scholars regarding this moment, out of which two are the most likely; as per one opinion, it is between two sermons while, according to the other, it is at the time of sunset.
(Mirat-ul Manajih, pp. 319, 320, vol. 2)
A Parable
Hazrat Sayyidatuna Fatimah Zahra رَضی اللہُ عَنھا used to sit in her Hujrah (small room) a short while prior to sunset and would ask Fiddah رَضی اللہُ عَنھا, her maid, to stand outside; as the sun begins to set, Fiddah رَضی اللہُ عَنھا would inform her about it and Hazrat Sayyidah رَضی اللہُ عَنھا would raise her blessed hands for supplication. (Mirat-ul Manajih, pp. 320, vol. 2) It is better to ask a concise supplication at that moment; for instance the following Quranic supplication:
One can recite Durud Sharif as well with the intention of supplication as Durud Sharif is itself a magnificent supplication. It is preferable to supplicate between both sermons by heart without raising hands and without uttering anything verbally.
14 Million & 400 Thousands Released from Hell Every Friday
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “There are 24 hours in day and night of Friday, there is not a single such hour in which Allah عَزوَجل does not release six hundred thousand (such sinners) from Hell for whom Hell had become due.” (‘Ali Mausili, Musnad Abi Ya’la, pp. 291, 235, vol. 3, Hadis 3421-3471)
Security from Grave Torment
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who dies during the day or night of Friday, he will be saved from the torment of the grave and will be resurrected on the day of judgment with the seal of martyrs.” (Hilyat-ul-Awliya, pp. 181, vol. 3, Hadis 3629)
Sins between two Fridays Forgiven
Hadrat Sayyiduna Salman Farsi رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who takes bath on Friday, attains the purity (sanctification) that was possible for him, applies oil and perfume available at home, heads (towards the Masjid) to offer Salah, does not cause separation between two people, i.e. does not sit between two people by intrusion, offers the Salah ordained for him and stays silent during the Imam’s sermon, his sins committed between this Friday and the previous one will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari, pp. 306, vol. 1, Hadis 883)
Sawab of 200 Years’ Worship
Hazrat Sayyiduna Siddiq-e-Akbar and Hazrat Sayyiduna ‘Imran bin Hasin رَضی اللہ عَنھُمَا narrate that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one taking bath on Friday, his sins and misdeeds are removed; when he proceeds (to offer Salah) 20 good deeds are written for his every step.” (Mu’jam Kabir, pp. 139, vol. 18, Hadis 292) According to another narration, the Sawab of 20 years’ good deeds is written for his every step.
When he finishes the Salah, he is given the Sawab of 200 years’ worship. (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsat-lit-Tabrani, pp. 314, vol. 2, Hadiš 3397)
Deeds Presented to Deceased Parents Every Friday
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “(Your) Deeds are presented before Allah عَزوجَل every Monday and Thursday whereas they are presented to the Prophets عَلیہمُ السَلام‑ and parents every Friday. Pleased by (your) good deeds, the beauty and brilliance of their faces enhance. Therefore, fear Allah عَزوجَل and do not grieve your deceased ones by committing sins.” (Nawadir-ul-Usul, pp. 260, vol. 2)
Five Special Good Deeds for Friday
Hazrat Sayyiduna Abu Sa‘id رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who performs five deeds in a day, Allah will write (his name) amongst the dwellers of Heaven: (The deeds are as follows):
- Visiting a sick person.
- Attending a funeral Salah.
- Offering the Jumu’ah Salah.
- Freeing a slave. (Sahih ibn Hibban, vol. 4, pp. 191, Hadiš 2760)
Heaven Becomes Due
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Umamah رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who offers Jumuah Salah, fasts (on the same day), visits a sick person, participates in a funeral and attends a Nikah (marriage) ceremony, Heaven will become due for him.” (Mu’jam Kabir, pp. 97, vol. 8, Hadis 7484)
Avoid Fasting on Friday Alone
It is Makruh-e-Tanzihi to fast specifically on Friday or Saturday alone. However, if Friday or Saturday falls on any sacred date such as 15th Sha’ban or 27th Rajab etc. there is no harm in fasting on these days. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Friday is Eid for you. Do not fast on this day unless you add another fast on its preceding or succeeding day.” (Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 81, vol. 2, Hadis 11)
Sawab of 10,000 Years’ Fasts
Ala Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza khanعَلَیہِ رَحمۃُ الرَحمٰن says, “It is narrated that the fast of Friday together with that of Thursday or Saturday is equivalent to 10,000 years’ fasts.” (Fatawa Radawiyyah (Jadid), pp. 653, vol. 10)
Sawab of Visiting Parents’ Graves on Friday
The Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah ﷺ said, “The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his parents on every Friday, Allah عَزوجَل will forgive his sins and his name will be written as one of those behaving their parents well.” (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsat-lit-Tabrani, pp. 321, vol. 4, Hadis 6114)
Sawab of Reciting Sura-e-Yasin (سورہ یٰسین) Beside the Graves of Parent
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his deceased parents of Friday and recites Surah Yasin over there, will be forgiven.” (Al-Kamil fi Du’fa-ir-Rijal, vol. 6, pp. 260)
Forgiveness 3000 Times
The beloved and blessed Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who visits the graves of either of or both of his parents on every Friday and recites Surah Yasin over there, Allah عَزوجَل will bless him with forgiveness equivalent to the total number of Surah Yasin’s letters.” (Ithaf-us-Sadat-il-Muttaqin, pp. 272, vol. 14)
Dear Islamic brothers! The one who visits the grave of either of or both of his deceased parents on Friday and recites Surah Yasin over there, he will be successful. اَلحمدُلِلہ عَزوَجَل there are 5 Ruku (sections), 83 verses, 729 words, and 3000 letters in Surah Yasin, if these figures are correct before Allah عَزوجَل, the recite will get the Sawab of 3000 forgiveness.
Souls Congregate
The one who recites Surah Yasin during the day of Friday or at Friday-night (the night between Thursday and Friday) will be forgiven. (Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 298, vol. 1, Hadis 4) Since souls congregate on Friday, one should visit graves on this day; further, Hell is not blazed up on this day.(Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 49, vol. 3)
A’la-Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan عَلیہ رَحمۃُ الرَحمٰن says, “The best time of visiting graves is the post-morning-Salah time on Friday.” (Fatawa Radawiyyah (Jadid), pp. 523, vol. 9)
Excellence of Reciting Sura-tul-Kahf(سورہ الکھف)
Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar رَضی اللہُ عَنھُما narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one reciting Surah Kahf on Friday, Nur (Refulgence) will elevate from his feet up to the sky that will be brightened for him on the Day of Judgment and his sins committed between two Fridays will be forgiven.” (Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 298, vol. 1, Hadis 2)
Nur between Two Fridays
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that Exalted Prophet ﷺ said, “The one who recites Surah Kahf on Friday, Nur will be brightened for him between two Fridays.” (Sunan Kubra, pp. 353, vol. 3, Hadis 5996)
Nur up to the Ka’bah
Another narration says: “The one reciting Surah Kahf on Friday-night (the night between Thursday and Friday), Nur will be brightened for him from where he is present up to the blessed Ka’bah.” (Sunan Darimi, pp. 546, vol. 2, Hadis 3407)
Excellence of Sura-e-Hamim Addukhan (سورہ حم الدخان)
Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Umamah رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that Holy Prophet ﷺ said: “The one reciting Surah-e-Hamim Addukhan on Friday or Friday-night, Allah عَزوَجَل will make a house for him in Heaven.” (Mu’jam Kabir, pp. 264, vol. 8, Hadis 8026)
One more narration says that he will be forgiven. (Jami’ Tirmizi, pp. 407, vol. 4, Hadis 2898)
Forgiveness Asked by 70,000 Angels
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: “The on reciting Surah Hamim Addukhan on night 70,000 Angels will do Istighfar (ask for forgiveness) for him.” (Jami’ Tirmizi, pp. 406, vol. 4, Hadis 2897)
All Sins Forgiven
Hadrat Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رَضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہُ narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “The one reciting اَستَغفِرُاللہَ الَذِی لَااِلٰہَ اِلَاھُوَوَاَتُوبُ اِلَیہ three times before Fajr Salah on Friday, his sins will be forgiven, even if they exceed the foam of the ocean.” (Al-Mu’jam-ul-Awsat-lit-Tabrani, pp. 392, vol. 5, Hadis 7717)
After the Jumuah Salah
Allah عَزوَجَل says in the 10th verse of Sura-tul-Jumuah (Part 28):
Commenting on the foregoing Ayah, Hadrat ‘Allamah Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Na’im-ud-Din Muradabadi رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ writes in Khaza-ain-ul-‘Irfan, ‘Having offered Friday Salah, it is permissible for you to occupy yourselves in earning livelihood, or gain Sawab by acquiring (religious) knowledge, visiting the sick, attending funerals, visiting scholars or performing other such pious deeds.’
Attending a Gathering of Islamic Knowledge
Attending a gathering of religious knowledge after Friday Salah is preferable. Therefore, Hujja-tul-Islam Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ narrates that Hazrat Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “This verse does not refer to worldly trade and business (only), rather, it refers to seeking knowledge, visiting brothers, visiting the sick, attending funerals and carrying out other such activities.” (Kimiya-e-Sa’adat, pp. 191, vol. 1)
Dear Islamic brothers! There are eleven conditions for rendering Jumuah Salah Wajib; if even either of them is not found, it will no longer remain Fard. However, if someone still offers it, his Salah will be valid; and it is preferable for (such) a sane, adult male (for whom Jumuah is not Fard on account of the absence of any condition) to offer Jumuah Salah. If a minor offers Jumuah Salah, it will be regarded as Nafl because Salah is not Fard for him. (Dur-re-Mukhtar-o-Rad-dul-Muhtar, pp. 30, vol. 3)
11 Pre-Conditions for the Obligation of Jumuah Salah
- Being settled in city
- Health (Sala-tul-Jumuah is not Fard for a patient. Here, patient refers to the person who cannot get to the Masjid where Sala-tul-Jumuah is held or even though he can get to the Masjid, it will result in the prolongation of his disease or delay in cure. The ruling of patient applies to Shaykh-e-Fani as well).
- Being a free person (Sala-tul-Jumuah is not Fard for a slave; his master can prevent him.)
- Being a man
- Being an adult
- Being Sane (The foregoing two conditions, i.e. adulthood and sanity are necessary not only for the obligation of Sala-tul-Jumuah but also for every other worship.)
- Having the faculty of sight
- Having the capability to walk
- Not being imprisoned
- Not having the fear of the king, thief etc. or that of any oppressor.
- Not having the true fear of harm due to rainfall, snowfall, tornado or cold weather. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 770, 772, vol. 1)
Those for whom Salah is Fard but Sala-tul-Jumuah is not Fard on account of any Shar’i exemption, are not exempted from Zuhr Salah on Friday; such people have to offer Zuhr Salah in lieu of Sala-tul-Jumuah.
The Sunan and Mustahab-bat of Friday
The Mustahab-bat of Jumuah include proceeding to offer Sala-tul-Jumuah in initial time, using Miswak, wearing nice white clothes, applying oil and fragrance sitting in the first Saf(row) while having a bath is Sunnah. (Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, pp. 149, vol. 1, Ghunyah, pp. 559)
The Time of Ghusl on Friday?
Hakim-ul-Ummat Hazrat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “Some scholars رَحمَھُمُ اللہ تَعَالیٰ say that having a bath on Friday is a Sunnah for Friday Salah, not for Friday itself, (therefore) having a bath on Friday is not a Sunnah for those for whom Sala-tul-Jumuah is not Fard. According to some scholars رَحمَھُمُ اللہ تَعَالیٰ, one should have bath on Friday close to the time of Sala-tul-Jumuah so that he offers the Salah with the same Wudu (made during the bath). However, the most authentic verdict is that the time for Friday’s bath starts from the break of dawn.” (Mirah, pp. 334, vol. 2)
The foregoing account also clarifies that Friday’s bath is not a Sunnah for women, travelers etc. for whom Friday Salah is not Wajib.
Friday’s Bath is Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah
‘Allamah ibn ‘Abidin Shami رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “Having a bath for Jumuah Salah is one of the Sunan-e-Zawaid; (and therefore) the abandoner of Friday’s bath will not be objected to.” (Rad-dul-Muhtar, pp. 339, vol. 1)
The Excellence of Sitting Closer During the Sermon
Hazrat Sayyiduna Samurah bin Jundab رَضِیَ اللہُ تعالیٰ عَنہُ narrates that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “Be present at the time of the sermon and sit close to the Imam because the farther a person remains from the Imam, the later he will enter Heaven, though he (a Muslim) will definitely enter the Heaven.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, pp. 410, vol. 1, Hadis 1108)
No Šawab of Jumuah
The one who talks while the Imam is delivering the sermon is like a donkey carrying a burden. Similarly, the one asking his companion to get silent during the sermon will not gain the Šawab of Jumuah (Salah). (Musnad Imam Ahmad, pp. 494, vol. 1, Hadis 2033)
Listening to the Sermon Silently is Fard
The acts that are Haram during Salah such as eating, drinking, greeting, saying Salam, replying to Salam and even inspiring someone to righteousness are Haram during the sermon as well. However, the Khatib (the deliverer of sermon) can inspire someone to righteousness. It is Fard for all the attendees to listen and remain silent while the sermon is being delivered. Staying silent is Wajib even for those present so far from the Imam that they cannot listen to the sermon. If someone is seen committing any misdeed, he may be prevented either by the gesture of hand or nod of head; preventing him by uttering any word or sound is not permissible. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 774, vol. 1, Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 39, vol. 3)
Listener of Sermon is not allowed to Recite Even Durud Sharif
If the Khatib mentioned the blessed name of the Exalted ﷺ Prophet during the sermon, the listeners should recite Durud in their hearts; reciting Durud verbally at that time is not allowed. Likewise, uttering عَلَیھِمُ الرِضوَان is not allowed on listening to the blessed names of companions of the Exalted Prophet during the sermon. (Bahar–e-Shari’at, pp. 775, vol. 1, Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 40, vol. 3)
Listening to the Nikah Sermon is Wajib
In addition to the sermon delivered for Sala-tul-Jumuah, it is also Wajib to listen to other sermons such as the ones delivered for Eid Salah, Nikah (Islamic Marriage) etc. (Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 40, vol. 3)
Business Becomes Impermissible as Soon as the First Azan is Uttered
As soon as the first Azan is uttered, it is Wajib to start making effort to get to the Masjid for offering Sala-tul-Jumuah; it is also Wajib to put off trading and other activities contrary to the preparations for Sala-tul-Jumuah. Similarly, sale and purchase while proceeding to Masjid is also impermissible and trading in the Masjid is a severe sin. If the one having meal hears the voice of Azan for Sala-tul-Jumuah and fears that he may miss Sala-tul-Jumuah in case of having meal, he has to stop eating and proceed to the Masjid for offering Sala-tul-Jumuah. One should get to the Masjid in a dignified manner for Sala-tul-Jumuah. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 775, vol. 1, Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 42, vol. 3, ‘Alamgiri, pp. 149, vol. 1)
These days, people have drifted away from religious knowledge; like other worships, people commit sins as a result of making mistakes in listening to sermon. Therefore, it is my humble request that the Khatib (deliverer of sermon) make following announcement every Friday prior to the Azan of Khutbah before sitting on the pulpit and earn hoards of Šawab:
Seven Madani Pearls of Sermon
- A Hadis says, “The one who passes over people’s necks on Friday, makes a bridge towards Hell.” (Jami’ Tirmizi, pp. 48, vol. 2, Hadis 513)
One of the explanations of this Hadis is that people will enter the Hell trampling up on him. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 761, 762, vol. 1) - To sit facing the Khatib is a Sunnah of the blessed Companions عَلَیھِمُ الرِضوَان.
- Some of our past saints رَحمَھُمُ اللہ تَعَالیٰ said, “One should listen to the sermon in the sitting-posture (as one sits in Qa’dah), folding hands (under navel) during the first sermon and placing them on thighs during the second; he will earn the Šawab of offering two rakat Salah. (Mirat-ul Manajih, pp. 338, vol. 2)
- A’la-Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan عَلیہ رَحمۃُ الرَحمٰن says, “When one hears the blessed name of the Holy Prophet ﷺ during the sermon, he should recite Durud in his heart as it is Fard to remain silent during sermon.” (Fatawa Radawiyyah (Jad id), pp. 365, vol. 8)
- It is stated in ‘Durr-e-Mukhtar, “During the sermon, eating, drinking, talking (even sayingسُبحٰنَ اللہ ) replying to someone’s greeting, and inspiring others towards righteousness, all are Haram.” (Dur-re-Mukhtar, pp. 39, vol. 3)
- A’la Hazrat رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “Walking during the sermon is Haram. The reverent scholars رَحمَھُمُ اللہ تَعَالیٰ even say that if someone enters the Masjid during the sermon, he must stop wherever he is without proceeding further as walking would be an act and no act is permissible during the sermon.” (Fatawa Ra6awiyyah (Jad id), pp. 333,vol. 8)
- A’la Hazrat رَحمَۃُ اللہ تعالیٰ عَلیہ says, “During the sermon, even looking somewhere turning the head is Haram.” (ibid, pp. 334)
An Important Ruling of Leading Sala-tul-Jumuah
With regard to the leading of Sala-tul-Jumuah there is an important matter of which people are quite inattentive. Sala-tul-Jumuah is considered like other Salah and everyone is allowed to lead Sala-tul-Jumuah; it is impermissible as leading Sala-tul-Jumuah is one of the responsibilities of the Islamic ruler or his deputy. In the states where Islamic Sovereignty does not exist, the greatest Sunni Scholar having correct beliefs can lead Sala-tul-Jumuah as he is the substitute of the Islamic ruler in issuing Shar’i rulings; Sala-tul-Jumuah cannot be held without his permission. If there is no such scholar, the one appointed by common people can lead the Salah. In spite of the presence of a scholar, people cannot themselves appoint anyone else, nor can just a few people appoint someone as the Imam on their own behalf. Holding Sala-tul-Jumuah in this way is not proven (in Islamic history). (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 764, vol. 1)