Jumuah prayer: how it is prayed and the Sunnahs of Friday
Jumu‘ah prayer is the Friday congregational prayer: a khutbah followed by two rak‘ahs, replacing Dhuhr. Here is how it is prayed, who must attend, the Sunnahs of Friday from ghusl to Surah Al-Kahf, and practical notes for Muslims at work or school in the UK.
Last updated: 8 October 2026
The command in the Quran
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوْمِ ٱلْجُمُعَةِ فَٱسْعَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٩﴾ فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةُ فَٱنتَشِرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١٠﴾
How Jumu‘ah is prayed
- The first adhan; many arrive early and pray voluntary rak‘ahs.
- The imam gives the khutbah in two parts, sitting briefly between them. Listen in silence.
- The iqamah, then two rak‘ahs led by the imam, recited aloud.
- Sunnah prayers afterwards: four at the mosque or two at home (Sahih Muslim 881–882).
The Sunnahs of Friday
| Sunnah | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ghusl | Bathe before Jumu‘ah (Sahih al-Bukhari 877). |
| Best clothes and perfume | Clean clothes, perfume and miswak (Sahih al-Bukhari 880, 883). |
| Go early | Reward like sacrificing a camel for the earliest (Sahih al-Bukhari 881). |
| Listen in silence | Even saying “be quiet” during the khutbah spoils its reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 934). |
| Recite Surah Al-Kahf | Light between the two Fridays (al-Hakim; graded sahih by al-Albani). |
| Durood in abundance | Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ often (Sunan Abi Dawud 1047). |
| Du‘a in the last hour | An hour on Friday when du‘a is answered, sought after ‘Asr (Sunan Abi Dawud 1048). |
See Surah Al-Kahf, Durood Ibrahim, how to perform ghusl and how to make dua.
Friday at home
Friday is a natural day to build family habits: Al-Kahf after school, extra durood at dinner, a short du‘a together before Maghrib. For the prayer itself, see how to pray salah.
Frequently asked questions
Who must attend Jumu‘ah prayer?
Adult Muslim men who are resident and able. It is not obligatory on women, children, travellers or the sick; if they attend, it replaces Dhuhr.
How many rak‘ahs is Jumu‘ah?
Two fard rak‘ahs, prayed in congregation after the khutbah, in place of the four of Dhuhr. Many also pray sunnah prayers before and after it.
Can I pray Jumu‘ah at work or school in the UK?
Many UK workplaces, universities and schools allow time or a room for Friday prayer, and the Equality Act 2010 protects against religious discrimination. Speak to your employer early; it usually takes about 45 minutes including travel to a nearby mosque.
What if I miss Jumu‘ah?
Pray four rak‘ahs of Dhuhr instead. Missing it repeatedly without excuse is a serious matter (Sahih Muslim 865).
Recite Al-Kahf with confidence
Three free one-to-one Quran lessons in UK time.