For a believer, the entirety of life is devoted to the worship of Allah, yet recognizing the virtues of Friday in Islam reveals the profound distinction bestowed upon the nation of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). While a Muslim considers every minute of life an opportunity for devotion, Friday holds a unique, divinely appointed status above all other days of the week.
A Special Guidance for the Ummah
Prominent scholars state that Friday is a day Allah specifically chose and favoured for this nation. It is narrated that Abu Hurayrah reported the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:
“We (Muslims) are the last (of the nations) but (we will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection, although the former nations were given their scriptures before us and we were given ours after them. And this (Friday) is the day concerning which they disputed. So Allah guided us (to it), tomorrow (i.e., Saturday) is for the Jews and the day after (i.e., Sunday) is for the Christians.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Historical and Prophetic Significance
The significance of Friday is tied to monumental events in human history and the completion of the faith. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) highlighted its importance, stating:
“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On this day Adam was created, on this day he entered Paradise and on this day he was expelled from it.” (Reported by Muslim).
Furthermore, the perfection of the Islamic religion was revealed on this blessed day. Tariq ibn Shihab narrated that a Jewish man said to Umar,
O Commander of the Faithful, if this Qur’anic Ayah (verse)—’This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion’ (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3)—had been revealed to us, we would have taken that day as an Eid (Festival).” Umar replied, “I know on which day this Qur’anic Ayah was revealed; it was revealed on the Day of Arafah, which was a Friday.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Expiation of Sins and Rewards for Early Attendance
Friday offers immense spiritual rewards, serving as a weekly purification for a Muslim. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Each of the five daily Prayers and a Jumu`ah prayer to the next is an expiation for the time in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” (Reported by Muslim).
The effort taken to attend the Friday prayer early is uniquely and heavily rewarded. Abu Hurayrah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:
‘When Friday comes, at each door of the mosque there are angels who write down first ones to come to the mosque. Then when the Imam sits down they close their books and come to listen to the sermon. The one who comes early (for Friday prayer) is like a person who sacrifices a camel, then coming after that (in descending order) will be like sacrificing a cow, a horned ram, a chicken, then offering an egg.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Sending Blessings and the Hour of Acceptance
Believers are encouraged to increase their supplications and send abundant blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on this day. A Hadith states:
“One of the best of your days is Friday. On it Adam was created and on it he died. On it the Trumpet will be blown and on it all creatures will perish (prior to the Resurrection on the Last Day). So send many blessings upon me on that day, for your blessings will be shown to me.” The companions asked how their blessings would be shown to him when his body would have become dust. He replied, “Allah has forbidden the earth to consume our [Prophets’] bodies.” (Reported by Abu Dawud).
Additionally, Friday contains a specific period where supplications are guaranteed to be answered. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned Friday and said:
“On this day there is an hour when no Muslim slave stands and prays and asks Allah for something, but Allah will give it to him,” and he gestured with his hand to indicate that whatever a person asks for, is as nothing to Allah. (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Regarding the timing of this period, Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised:
“Seek the hour in which prayers are likely to be answered, on Friday after `Asr (mid-afternoon) prayer, until the sun goes down.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi).
