In the Islamic tradition, Friday holds a unique and elevated status, often referred to as Juma, meaning congregation. This sacred day serves as a weekly opportunity for Muslims to get together for worship, reflect on their faith, and strengthen their sense of community. The significance of Friday in Islam is mentioned in several hadiths of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Five special virtues of Friday
The messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
“Surely Friday is the ruler of all days. Friday is the greatest day in the sight of Allah. Even this day is greater to Allah than Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr. There are five special features of Friday. On this day, Allah Almighty created Adam (peace be upon him). On this day he was sent from heaven to this world. Allah gave him death on this day. There is a time on Friday in which Allah will grant whatever a servant asks of Allah, unless he asks for something forbidden. Similarly, Qiyamah (The Day of Resurrection) will take place on Friday.
Even the nearest angels (to Allah) are in fear on the day of Juma. The earth, the sky, the air, the hills, the mountains, and the sea are all anxious on the day of Juma.”
-Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaiba, Hadith 5559; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 15548; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 10841
The hadith stated several reasons for the importance of Friday in Islam.
Friday is the ruler of all days
It is mentioned in the previous hadith that Friday is the ruler of all days.
In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“The best day of all the days on which the sun rises is Friday. On this day, Adam (peace be upon him) was created. On this day he was admitted to Paradise. On that day he was expelled from Paradise. The day of Resurrection will also take place on this day.” -Sahih Muslim, Hadith 854; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 9409; Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith 488
This hadith is very clear about the significance of Friday in Islam.
The deeds of the people are presented in the court of Allah on Friday night
Another feature of Juma is that the deeds of the servants (all people) are presented to Allah on the night of Juma.
The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
“The deeds of the children of Adam are presented (before Allah) on the night after Thursday. The deeds of those who break the kinship ties are not accepted.” -Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 10272; Al-Adabul Mufrad, Hadith 612
One week’s sins are forgiven
The prophet Muhamad (peace be upon him) said:
“Kaffara (expiation) for the intervening period (of sin) from one Juma to another, if the Kabira sin is not committed.”
-Sahih Muslim, Hadith 233; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1086; Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith 414; Sahih Ibn Khuzaima, Hadith 1814
Friday is a special gift to this Ummah
Allah commanded the previous nations, you should perform a special worship for Me on the best day of the week. But they misjudged that better day. Thoughtfully, the Jews chose Saturday for the worship of Allah and the Christians chose Sunday. But the most respected day is Friday. There are many virtues, and many features of this day. Allah has graciously bestowed that day on the Ummah of the prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
The prophet Muhamad (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah did not guide our earlier ummah regarding the correct day of Jumu (one day of the week to worship together). As a result, it became Saturday for Jews and Sunday for Christians. Then Allah brought us and guided us to the correct day for Juma. So Allah has fixed (honorable days) as follows: Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
(As others are our followers in determining the best day) so they will be our followers on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last to come in this world, but we will be the foremost on the Day of Judgment. On that day we will be judged before everyone else.”
-Sahih Muslim, Hadith 856; Sunan Nasai, Hadith 1368; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1083
In conclusion, Friday holds immense significance in Islam as a day of worship, reflection, and community. It encourages believers to strengthen their faith, connect, and embrace the virtues of their religion, making it a cornerstone of Muslim life.