The Essence of Friday Prayers in Islam

Did you ever wonder why Muslims  had to pray every Friday .well I am here to give you an idea. Today I want to discuss the importance of Friday prayers in Islam and its spiritual significance to Muslims.

              A renowned Sheikh giving a "Khutbah"  

Jumuah or Friday prayers are a congregational prayer that a Muslim has to observe. On this day,  the mosques are occupied, and the Imam of the community delivers a "khutbah” which is a, sermon before the actual prayers on a special topic every Friday, and starts at 12:30 pm till 1:50 pm. In the Holy Quran and the Hadiths it is mentioned that Friday is one of the important days of the week. According to Islamic scholars, it is proven that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to celebrate this day by wearing his newest clothes to attend Friday prayers.

On this day,  the people have to go to the mosque and pray with the Imam (the leader of the            community). According to Islam, Adam was created on this day, and It is also believed that the Day of Judgment would be on Friday, and so people should be aware and should regret of their sins and turn towards the Almighty with due respect. A person who goes to Friday prayer is said to have his sins between that Friday and last forgiven according to Islamic literature.

Prayer is one of the central elements of Islamic practice and worship. Indeed, it is the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. The observance of the ritual prayer forms the framework of each Muslim’s faith.

There are spiritual conditions and aspects of prayer which represent its essence. That the worshiper has to be in a pure state and must be devoid of any impurity. The essence is to seek Allah. Seeking the face of Allah is the goal and the means are divinely prescribed as “Salat” which brings the worshiper closer to Divine Presence.         

A section of the mosque listening to the sermon of the day