Jumu’ah: A Sacred Day of Gathering and Reflection for Muslims 🕌
Jumu’ah, or the day of congregation, is a sacred day for Muslims. It is a special day on which Muslims gather in the mosque to offer the midday prayer in congregation. This day is so important that it has become a holiday in many Muslim countries. In this article, we will explore the history behind Jumu’ah and why it is so significant for Muslims.
Jumu’ah is derived from the Arabic word “jamaa”, which means “to gather”. Therefore, Jumu’ah is the day on which Muslims gather in the mosque to offer the midday prayer in congregation. It is one of the five obligatory daily prayers that must be performed by all Muslims.
Jumu’ah is held on Friday, which is the sixth day of the week in the Islamic calendar. This day is considered a sacred day and is a reminder for Muslims of the importance of worship and obedience to Allah. In the Quran, Allah says: “O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew!” (62:9).
On the day of Jumu’ah, Muslims gather in the mosque to listen to the imam’s sermon and offer the midday prayer in congregation. The imam’s sermon is an integral part of the Jumu’ah prayer and is an opportunity for Muslims to learn about their religion and be motivated to follow the right path.
Jumu’ah also has a great reward in Islam. According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).
In summary, Jumu’ah is a sacred day for Muslims on which they gather in the mosque to offer the midday prayer in congregation and listen to the imam’s sermon. This day holds great significance in Islam.