Bismillahi-Rahmani-Rahim Alhamdolillahi Rabil Alamin

wa-Salato wa-Salamo Ala Rasolina Muhammadin wa-Ala Aalihi Wa Sahbihi Ajmain

'O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salat (prayer) on Friday (Jum'ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!' (Surat al-Jum'ah, 62:9)

In this Ayah Allah orders Muslims to perform Salat al-Juma'h (Friday prayer) and it is prayed in Jama'ah (congregation). We are required to follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) while observing Salat al-Juma'h likewise we are required to follow the Sunnah in every aspect of our lives. Some of these Sunnahs are:

1) Taking a bath (Ghosl) before going to Salat al-Juma'h is highly recommended by Rasulullah (s.a.w.) through several authentic narrations.

2) Going as early as possible to Salat al-Juma'h is highly encouraged by Rasulullah (s.a.w.). On the day of al-Juma'h angels stand at the gates of the Masjid and their duty is to write the names of Muslims in order of their arrival times. When the Khutbah starts, the angels stop writing names and listen to the Khutbah. There is a greater reward for those who arrive early as supposed to those who arrive late. To benefit from this great opportunity of being rewarded, Muslims should try their best to go

to al-Masjid for Salat al-Juma'h as early as possible.

The following Hadiths illustrate the points mentioned above.

Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "Any person who takes a bath on al-Juma'h like the bath of Janaba (Ghosl) and then goes for the prayer in the first hour (i.e. early), it is as if he had sacrificed a camel (in Allah's cause); and whoever goes in the second hour it is as if he had sacrificed a cow; and whoever goes in the third hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a horned ram; and if one goes in the fourth hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour then it is as if he had offered an egg. When the Imam comes out (i.e. starts delivering the Khutbah), the angels present themselves to listen to the Khutbah." (Bukhari, Muslim, Muwatta, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nesa'i and Ibn Maja)

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "When it is al-Juma'h, the angels stand at the gate of al-Masjid and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to al-Masjid in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters al-Masjid in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for al-Juma'h prayer) they (i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutbah." (Bukhari - similar narration is found in Muslim)

3) When a person enters al-Masjid, he or she shouldn't disturb others while trying to sit. It is recommended to pray in the front rows, yet nobody should be disturbed while trying to reach the front rows. When entering al-Masjid and al-Khutbah has already started, a Muslim should proceed to his place quietly without disturbing others.

4) Muslims should remain silent after the Imam starts his Khutbah and avoid even warning others to be quiet by saying "Ssssh!". Rasulullah (s.a.w.) explained these issues in following Hadith.

Narrated by Salman-Al-Farsi:

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever takes a bath on al-Juma'h, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for al-Juma'h prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in al-Masjid), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, his sins in-between the present and the last Juma'h would be forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "When the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, and you ask your companion to keep quiet and listen, then no doubt you have done an evil act." (Bukhari)

May Allah help us be among His righteous servants (Al Muttaqun) who strive for His sake in every action and follow Qur'an and Sunnah through out their lives.

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