Khairul Baraih Hughes, USA
Friday is considered by many to be the best day of the week, as it marks the begins the weekend. For young people, Friday signifies freedom for the next few days, and for the parents, Friday signifies the beginning of a break from a full week’s work.
But did you know that Friday carries a spiritual significance as well? For Muslims, Friday is the holiest day of the week, known in Arabic as Jumu’ah (Friday). In fact, the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (sa) said that Friday is ‘The best day the sun has risen upon…’ [1]
One of the things which makes Friday so special is the Friday prayer. It is a most special prayer which all Muslims are commanded to attend, as has been commanded in the Holy Qur’an by God Almighty:
‘O ye who believe! when the call is made for Prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off all business. That is better for you, if you only knew.’ [2]
As indicated in this verse, at the time of the Friday prayer, Muslims are instructed to set aside all business and worldly affairs in order to join the congregation in worship and partake of the spiritual benefit.
According to the practice of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Friday prayer is offered right after mid-day. It is a prayer that must be offered in congregation, and the prayer itself constitutes a sermon being delivered by the Imam, after which he leads the congregation in two units of prayer (rak`ats)
So you see, Friday is a spiritual day. Although, there are many known secular benefits of Friday, yet, as Islam teaches, there are many more spiritual benefits to Friday. Islam also teaches that with following divine instruction comes divine reward. The Holy Prophet (sa) has taught us about the various rewards associated with Friday and attending the Friday prayer. For example, on one occasion he said:
‘Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday, and bathes completely, and goes early, arriving early, gets close and listens and is silent, there will be for him in every step he takes the reward of a year of fasting and standing (in prayer).’ [3]
Similarly, on another occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) said:
‘There is an hour (opportune time) on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while praying and asks something from Allah, then Allah will definitely meet his demand.’ [4]
How many of us wouldn’t desire this, even by secular standard? Imagine, If our employers told us that from now on, on Fridays, there is an hour during work that if any employee were to ask the company for anything it would be given to them; the idea is completely implausible!. It would be difficult just to ask for leave from an employer on Friday. Yet, this is the reward that one can attain from God, especially on Fridays. And in many instances, Muslims are in fact granted leave by their employers in order to attend the Friday prayer – just another example of the grace of God.
Friday is already a day which is looked forward to by many, but now just imagine how much more special and beautiful it is when it is seen from the perspective of its spiritual benefits? Hence, a Muslim still gets the ‘thank goodness it’s Friday’ feeling as everyone else, but Muslims get the added benefit of it being a blessed Friday. It is a day for being obedient to faith; the removal of sins; the fulfilment of prayers; all on top of the end of the week feeling as well.
Now, when the next Friday comes around you can say ‘TGIF’; or you can say: ‘Thank goodness it’s a blessed Friday!’
About the Author: Khairul Baraih Hughes converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat 11 years ago. He currently resides in St. Louis USA and serves the local Community as the Secretary for Propagation.
ENDNOTES
[1] Sunan al-Tirmidhi Kitab al-Jumu`ah Hadith #488
[2] The Holy Qur’an Ch62:V10
[3] Sunan al-Tirmidhi Kitab al-Jumu`ah Hadith #496
[4] Sahih al-Bukhari Kitab al-Jumu`ah Hadith #935
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