Jumu’ah: Rulings

Issues relating the compulsory nature of Salaatul Jumu’ah

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• We mentioned in the previous article that Friday has been granted special importance and significance by Allah ﷻ . One of the reasons why Friday is so significant is because the weekly compulsory congregational prayer takes place on this day. Salaatul Jumu’ah (Compulsory Congregational Friday Prayer) has itself been granted great virtue and importance. It is extremely significant too. It also has its own moral, social, and political benefits.
  Salaatul Jumu’ah can only be performed in congregation. It cannot be performed individually.
• It is compulsory upon people who form part of the following group:

1. Muslim
2. Adult
3. Male
4. Able to come for Jumu’ah

• The following people would therefore be exempt from the obligation of Salaatul Jumu’ah:

1. Non-Muslims
2. Children
3. Women
4. Prisoners
5. The sick and elderly for whom it is difficult to perform
6. Travelers

• This exemption indicates the Kindness and Mercy of Allah ﷻ . Muslim women, children, the elderly, the sick, prisoners, and travelers are, however, not forbidden from attending Salaatul Jumu’ah. If the sick or the elderly can make arrangements and facilities are available to accommodate them, then they may come for this Salah. If the traveler has the time to join the congregation, then he is permitted. If a parent brings a child along, this is also allowed, but the parent should be sure that the child does not disturb other people, or soil the masjid. If sufficient arrangements for hijaab are made for women before Salah, then it would also be permissible for them to join the Salah. However, it is of greater reward for a woman to pray at home including the Friday prayer. She should rather pray her Saalatul Dhuhr at home.
• The conditions for the correctness of Salatul Juma’ah are:

1. It is to be performed in an urban location. It is not permissible on a farm or a location which does not have the basic necessities of a town.
2. It is to be performed in the masjid jaami’of the city. The masjid jaami is the one where Salaatul Jumu’ah takes place. It would generally be the largest masjid in an area. Nevertheless, if necessary, Salaatul Jumu’ah could also be performed in other masaajid as well as other locations within the city where necessity requires.
3. It is to be performed within its time period – the time for Salaatul Jumu’ah is the same as that for Dhuhr.
4. The khutbataan or the two sermons be delivered prior to the Salah.

• Some of the reasons behind the institution of the Friday prayer:

1. The assembly of all adult males, who are capable of seeing to the needs of the community, in one place on a weekly basis
2. The opportunity to address the community on relevant issues
3. The situation where people could be advised or admonished with regard to Islamic injunctions

• The Salaatul Jumu’ah is compulsory. It cannot be missed, and should be hastened towards. It is not permissible to engage in any type of trade or other activity once the adhaan for Salaatul Jumu’ah has been called out. Those upon whom the Salaatul Jumu’ah is obligatory should immediately proceed to the masjid.

What we learn from the lesson:

1. We must perform our Salaatul Jumu’ah if we fall into the category upon whom it is obligatory.
2. When the adhaan for Jumu’ah is called, we must stop everything and proceed to the masjid.
3. There is wisdom in all the Commands of Allah ﷻ .

“Discussion:”

1. List the people upon whom Jumu’ah is obligatory.
2. List those who are exempt from attending Jumu’ah.
3. Do those who are exempt attend the Salaatul Jumu’ah?
4. What are the conditions for the correctness of Salaatul Jumu’ah?
5. Provide one aayah and one hadeeth to prove the obligatory nature of Salaatul Jumu’ah.