The Excellence of Friday

by Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

Abu Huraira reported the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as saying: ‘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.’

The Holy Prophet also said on the occasion of Friday: ‘We who are the last shall be the first on the Day of resurrection, except that every Ummah (nation) was given the Book before us and we where given it after them. It was this day (Friday) which Allah prescribed for us and guided us to it and the people came after us with regard to it, the Jews observing the next day and the Christians the day following that.’

With regard to Friday, the Holy Prophet was also reported as saying: ‘There is no time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand, pray and beg Allah for what is good but He would give it to him’ and he pointed with his hand that (this time) is short and narrow.

There is a good deal of difference of opinion among the scholars as to what exactly is that fortunate hour on Friday when the supplication would be granted. The best course is that this hour should be treated as hidden, and the whole day should be spent in supplication and glorification of Allah.

It was the Holy Prophet’s practice to attach special significance and honour to Friday. Examples of this behaviour are numerous, however, the following could be cited: On that day, he recommenced

~ reciting Soorah as-Sajdah (in fajr) [and al-Insaan] because it is inclusive of all affairs relevant to Friday;

~ taking a bath, using perfume and miswak,

~ going to Friday’s congregational prayer early, listening to the sermon, wearing one’s best clothes and remembering Allah all the time.

When the Holy Prophet stood on the pulpit delivering Friday speech (sermon), his eyes would redden and his voice rise sharply with extreme anger. He, however, used to shorten the speech but prolong the prayer following it.

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Importance of Friday

Islam accords great importance to Friday. While all days of the week belong to Allah, Friday stands out for its significance.

Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have told us what a great day this is for all of mankind. A day that is filled with the Mercy of Allah and rewards that will be heavy on our scales inshallah on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) narrates:

‘Friday has been named as Juma’h (جمعه) because on this day Allah assembled all the creatures and extracted a covenant from them concerning His Unity (Tauheed), the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and the guardianship of Ameerul Momeneen - Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.).’ (Tahzeebul Ahkaam by Shaykh Tusi (r.a.) vol. 3 pg. 3)


One of the virtues of Friday is the Friday Prayer (Salat Al-Jumuah). This is the best prayer. It’s significance is so great that there is a whole chapter in the Quran that is named Al-Jumu'ah. Allah makes mention of the importance of Friday in the Quran where He says in the translation of the meaning:

"O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the prayer of the day of congregation (Friday), haste unto remembrance of Allah and leave your trading. That is better for you if you did but know." (Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)