Thank Allah (SWT) it’s Friday – The Weekly Banquet of Baraka
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday.” Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The best day of the week is here, in the best time of year! Did you know our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) described every Friday as an ‘Eid’ for the Muslims? The word Eid refers to a celebration, festival, and feast – but it’s not feasting on food that we’re doing on Fridays, it’s feasting on the banquet of blessings that Allah (SWT) has prepared for us.
Why is Jumu’ah important?
There is a whole chapter in the Qur’an entitled Jumu’ah and the Prophet (ﷺ) held the day of Jumu’ah in high regard, describing it as the best day of the week. Muslims throughout Islamic history and across the world have always marked the day in a special way.
So, just what makes Fridays so special for Muslims?
The highlight of Jumu’ah is the Jumu’ah prayer. This weekly congregational gathering is perhaps the most important regular meeting point for Muslim communities. It’s a time we come together, worship Allah (SWT), listen to inspiring words from our local Imam, as well as greet and connect with one another. If observed properly, our beloved Messenger (ﷺ) told us that our minor sins between one Friday and the next are forgiven.
Jumu’ah is a day in which we are encouraged to dress in nice clothes, wear perfume and make an effort to visit and spend time with our loved ones. Greeting our friends and family, sharing food and coming together are all beautiful Sunnah of our beloved Messenger (ﷺ), and when done in the blessed month of Ramadan you garner even more rewards.
Even passing away on this day carries special blessings, with the Prophet (ﷺ) informing us that if a Muslim passes away on a Friday, they are saved from the trials of the grave.
The Hour of Acceptance
In another deeply profound tradition, the Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Indeed, there is surely a time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand, pray and beg Allah for what is good except that He would give it to them.”
Scholars have differed about when exactly this hour is, however, most have concluded it is the hour before sunset on a Friday. This is an exceptionally important time to make sincere dua and through the blessings of this day, Allah (SWT) is sure to grant you what you wish, or better than it.
7 tips for a blessed Jumu’ah
“Verily, Allah has made this day of Friday a celebration for the Muslims. Whoever comes to Friday prayer, let him bathe himself, apply perfume if he has it, and use the tooth stick.” Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
We are grateful to Allah for allowing us to witness another Jumu’ainside the blessed month of Ramadan no least. Let us take full advantage of what this day can offer us - here some top tips to make the most of this and every Friday:
- Take a Ghusl (ritual bath)
- Use a miswak (tooth stick) to clean your teeth.
- Wear clean, presentable clothes
- Read Surah al-Kahf (or at least the first 10 verses)
- Send plenty of salawat (greetings) upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Arrive early to Jumu’ah prayers, walking if possible and listening attentively.
- Give generously from your wealth, helping those in need.
This Jumu’ah, Leave a Legacy that Lasts
There is something special in the air during Fridays in Ramadan. We come together just as we normally do, but unlike last week, this Friday we all have empty bellies and parched throats; each of us is engaged in a perpetual state of worship.
Sadly, not every Muslim is fortunate enough to congregate in the Houses of Allah (SWT) for Jumu’ah prayers or listen to an inspiring weekly Khutba. Millions of Muslims simply do not have access to a masjid, and are unable to gather the resources to build one – but you can change that.
This Jumu’ah, you could help build an entire mosque for a community in need, a place to gather, worship, learn and serve their society – a masjid to call their own. You can leave a legacy that will leave ripples of blessings for generations to come.
This is a beautiful form of Sadaqah Jariyah, a perpetual charity that offers perpetual rewards, multiplied countless times over on this blessed day and in this blessed month.
Be the answer to the prayers of our brothers and sisters, help build a masjid today:
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Dua to make for our suffering Ummah…
رَبَّنَا لاَ تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِلْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
Rabbana la tajal-na fitnatan-lil qawmi-dhalimeen.
Our Lord! make us not a trial for those who practice oppression.
FRIDAY 8 APR 2022
