Muslims believe Friday was chosen by God as a dedicated day of worship. The Qur’an invokes the importance of Friday as a sacred day of worship in a chapter called “Al-Jumah,” meaning the day of congregation, which is also the word for Friday in Arabic.

Things for Muslims to do on Fridays

There are several obligatory and sunnah acts that we can do on Fridays to get the most benefits out of this blessed day.

Getting ready for Jummah prayer

Doing ghusl is one of the highly recommended sunnah before going to Jummah prayer. In fact, some people even view it as being obligatory. The Prophet (PBUH) clearly stated that people going for Jummah prayer should do ghusl, but he didn’t specify if it was mandatory or not.

The ideal thing to do would be to do ghusl before going for the prayer. However, if we do it much earlier during the start of the day, that would hopefully fulfill the purpose as well. Additionally, when we depart for the prayer, then we should take care that we put on our best clothes and maintain a good appearance. Using fragrance is also advisable.

Going for Jummah prayer

Allah says in the Quran that when the Imam sounds the Adhan for Jummah prayer, Muslims must immediately stop what they are doing and head for the congregation. This is why shops and closed and markets shut during the time for prayer on Fridays. Allah ends the verse in this regard by saying that this is better for Muslims, which is almost like a warning.

Muslims should ideally arrive for Jummah before the Khutbah. This way, they can listen to the beneficial religious talk and benefit from it. The Prophet (PBUH) stated that if a person neglects Jummah and misses it on three consecutive occasions, Allah will place a seal on his heart. Hence, we must take extreme care in this regard.

Praying to Allah and sending salutations

According to Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned something unique about Fridays. He said that on this day, there is a certain time during which when Muslims pray and ask Allah for something, Allah answers the prayer and grants them it. Hence, we should make prayer to Allah on Fridays and try to attain this huge benefit.

The Prophet (PBUH) also said that Muslims should send blessings upon him on Fridays, saying that the blessings would be shown to him.

Reciting Surah al-Kahf

One of the best things to do on Fridays is to recite Surah al-Kahf. The Prophet (PBUH) said that if a person recites this surah on a Friday, a light will illuminate him until the next Friday. Surah al-Kahf is an important surah and contains many lessons that can be of benefit to us in our day to day lives. 

Hence, we shouldn’t only read and recite the Story of Surah al Kahf, but we should also understand it. If we don’t know Arabic, we can do this via the English translation and English versions of the Tafseer, which are very beneficial.

The Benefit of Reading Surah Kahf on Friday

He who reads Surah Kahf on Friday, ALLAH will shower a light (NOOR) on a face that will last till the next two Fridays. 

Those who recite this Surah every Friday ALLAH will forgive all of his/her sins. Whoever reads Surah Kahf on Friday ALLAH will bless his house and protect him/her from poverty.

Can You Pray Jummah at Work?

Friday Prayer is obligatory for you, but it is not permissible for you to pray Friday Prayer in the room in which you have made a place for offering the five daily Prayers because the basic principle is that there shouldn't be multiple Friday Prayers except in cases of necessity.

Conclusion

There are many Jummah hadith reported on the significance of Jumu'ah. The Prophet has been reported saying: "The Jumu'ah is the pilgrimage of the poor" "Whoever misses three Jumu'ah, being indifferent to them, Allah seals his heart".

We must understand the values and importance of this day and prepare ourselves for Friday prayer. Besides, Friday prayers we must recite Surah Al–Kahf on priority. Recite Darood on Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and Salutation too. Most importantly seek unlimited blessings and forgiveness in Friday’s special prayers.