The Obligation of the jumu’ah Prayer, Its Virtue, Who is Exempt From it, and the Prayer and Sermon Therein

Zurarah narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) that He said: "There are four prayers that a person may perform at any hour: a prayer that you missed, so whenever you remember it, you perform it; the two units (rak'ahs) of the obligatory circumambulation (Tawaf) prayer; the prayer for an eclipse (Salat al-Kusuf); and the prayer over a deceased person (Salat al-Janazah). These prayers can be performed by a person at any time."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1222 - The Imam (as) said: "The time for the Jumu’ah prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah) is on Jumu’ah at the hour when the sun begins to decline (zawal). Its timing is the same for both travelers and residents and is considered limited (specific). The Asr prayer on Jumu’ah is performed at the time of Dhuhr on other days."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1223 - bd al-Rahman ibn Abi Abdillah narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) that He said: "There is no harm in leaving the Jumu’ah prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah) due to rain."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1224 - Muhammad ibn Muslim narrated from Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir (as) who said: "The Jumu’ah prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah) is obligatory upon seven believers: the Imam, his judge, one who claims a right, two witnesses, and the one who executes punishments in front of the Imam. It is not obligatory for fewer than these."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1225 - Imam Abu Ja'far (as) said: "The beginning time for the Jumu’ah prayer is when the sun declines (zawal) until an hour has passed. Maintain it carefully, for the Messenger of Allah (sw) said: 'No servant asks Allah (swt) for good at this time except that He grants it.'"

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1226 - Safwan ibn Yahya narrated from Ali ibn Yaqtin who said: "I asked Imam Abu al-Hasan (as) about the Jumu’ah prayer while traveling. What should I recite in them?" Imam (as) said: "Recite in them 'Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad' (Surah Al-Ikhlas)."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1227 - Ja'far ibn Bashir and Abdullah ibn Jabalah narrated from Abdullah ibn Sinan, who reported from Imam Abu Abdullah (as): "I heard him say: 'In the Jumu’ah prayer, there is no problem in reciting other than Surah al-Jumu'ah and Surah al-Munafiqun if you are in a hurry.'"

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1228 - Imam Musa ibn Jafar Al-Kadhim (as) used to prepare on Thursday for the Jumu’ah prayer.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1229 - Al-Halabi narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) that He said: "The time for the Jumu’ah prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah) is at the sun's decline (zawal), and the time for the Dhuhr prayer while traveling is also at the sun's decline. The time for the Asr prayer on Jumu’ah for those who are not traveling is approximately the same as the Dhuhr prayer on other days."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1230 - The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "There is to be no speaking while the Imam is delivering the sermon, and no turning around except as is permissible during prayer. The Jumu’ah prayer was made two rak'ahs because of the two sermons, which have taken the place of the last two rak'ahs. Therefore, it remains as part of the prayer until the Imam descends (finishes the sermon)."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1231 - Al-'Ala narrated from Muhammad ibn Muslim from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) who said: "There is no harm if a person speaks after the Imam has finished the sermon on Jumu’ah, during the time between the sermon and the establishment of the prayer, whether he hears the recitation (during the prayer) or not; it is sufficient for him."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1232 - Sama’a narrated from Imam (as) who said: "The Jumu’ah prayer with the Imam consists of two rak'ahs, but whoever prays it alone, it is four rak'ahs."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1233 - Hammad ibn Uthman narrated from Imran Al-Halabi, who said: "Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) was asked about a man who prays the Jumu’ah prayer as four rak'ahs. Should he recite aloud? Imam (as) replied: "Yes, and there is Qunoot (a supplication) in the second rak'ah."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1234 - Al-Fadl ibn Abd al-Malik narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) who said: "If a person catches one rak'ah (of the Jumu’ah prayer), he has caught the Jumu’ah prayer. If he misses it, he should pray four (rak'ahs)."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1235 - Al-Halabi narrated from Imam (as) who said: "If you join the Imam before he bows in the last rak'ah, you have caught the (Jumu’ah) prayer. But if you join him after he has bowed, then it is considered as four rak'ahs, like the Dhuhr prayer."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1236 - Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Hajjaj narrated from Imam Abu al-Hasan (as) regarding a man who prayed in congregation on Jumu’ah. When the Imam bowed, the crowd pushed him against a wall or pillar, preventing him from bowing or prostrating until the people raised their heads. He asked if he should bow, then prostrate, and catch up with the row when the people stand, or what he should do. Imam (as) replied: "He should bow and prostrate, then stand with the row, and there is no issue with that."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1237 - Sulaiman ibn Dawud al-Minqari narrated from Hafs ibn Ghiyath, who said: "I heard Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) say regarding a man who attended the Jumu’ah prayer, but due to crowding, he joined the Imam, performed the takbir, and bowed, but was unable to prostrate. When the Imam and the people stood for the second rak'ah, he stood with them. When the Imam bowed, the man was again unable to bow due to the crowding but was able to prostrate. He asked how he should proceed. Imam (as) said: "As for the first rak'ah, it is complete until the bowing. Since he did not prostrate for it before entering the second rak'ah, it is invalid. When he prostrates in the second rak'ah, if he intended these two prostrations to count for the first rak'ah, then the first rak'ah is complete. Once the Imam gives the taslim, he should stand and pray another rak'ah, perform its prostration, then recite the tashahhud and taslim. However, if he did not intend the two prostrations for the first rak'ah, neither the first nor the second rak'ah is valid for him. He must prostrate twice, intending them for the first rak'ah, and then complete a full rak'ah with its prostrations."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1238 - Rib'i ibn Abdullah and Fudayl ibn Yasar narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) who said: "There is no Jumu’ah prayer, Eid al-Fitr prayer, or Eid al-Adha prayer while traveling."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1239 - Abu Basir narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) that He said: "Indeed, Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted, calls out every Thursday night (the night of Jumu’ah) from above His Throne, from the beginning of the night until its end: 'Is there not a believing servant who calls upon Me concerning his Hereafter and his worldly life before the break of dawn so that I may answer him? Is there not a believing servant who repents to Me from his sins before the break of dawn so that I may accept his repentance? Is there not a believing servant upon whom I have tightened his provision who asks Me for an increase in his provision before the break of dawn so that I may expand it for him? Is there not a believing servant who is sick and asks Me to heal him before the break of dawn so that I may grant him health? Is there not a believing servant who is imprisoned or in distress who asks Me to release him from his confinement so that I may free him? Is there not a believing servant who is wronged and asks Me to avenge his oppression before the break of dawn so that I may grant him justice?' The call continues until the break of dawn."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1240 - Abd al-Azim ibn Abdillah al-Hasani narrated from Ibrahim ibn Abi Mahmoud, who said: “I said to Imam al-Ridha (as), "O’ son of the Messenger of Allah (sw), what do you say about the narration that people relate from the Messenger of Allah (sw), that Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted, descends to the sky of the world every Jumu’ah night?" Imam (as) replied: "May Allah (swt) curse those who distort words from their proper places. By Allah (swt), the Messenger of Allah (sw) did not say that. What he did say was: 'Indeed, Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted, sends an angel to the sky of the world every night during the last third of the night, and on the night of Jumu’ah at the beginning of the night. He commands the angel to call out: Is there anyone who asks that I may grant him? Is there anyone who repents so that I may accept his repentance? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive him? O’ seeker of good, come forward, and O’ seeker of evil, desist.' The angel continues to call out until the break of dawn, and when dawn breaks, he returns to his place in the celestial realm." My father narrated this to me from my grandfather, from his forefathers, from the Messenger of Allah (sw).

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1241 - It has been narrated: "There is no day on which the sun rises that is better than Jumu’ah."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1242 - Muhammad ibn Muslim narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) regarding the words of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob) to his sons: "I will seek forgiveness for you from my Lord (azj)" (Surah Yusuf 12:98).” Imam (as) said: "He delayed it until the time of Sahar (pre-dawn) on the night of Jumu’ah."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1243 - Abu Basir narrated from one of the Imams (as) who said: "Indeed, when a believing servant asks Allah (swt), Glorious and Majestic, for something, Allah (swt) may delay the fulfilment of his request until Jumu’ah in order to grant it to him with the special merit of the day of Jumu’ah."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1244 - Dawud ibn Sirhan narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) regarding the verse of Allah (swt), the Exalted, "By the witness and the witnessed" (Surah Al-Buruj 85:3). Imam (as) said: "The 'witness' is the day of Jumu’ah."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1245 - Al-Mu'alla ibn Khunays narrated from Imam (as) who also said: "Whoever among you experiences the day of Jumu’ah should not engage in anything other than worship, for on this day forgiveness is granted to the servants and mercy descends upon them."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1246 - Al-Asbagh ibn Nubatah narrated from The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) that He said: "The night of Jumu’ah is a luminous night, and its day is a radiant day. Whoever dies on the night of Jumu’ah, Allah (swt) writes for him immunity from the pressure of the grave, and whoever dies on the day of Jumu’ah, Allah (swt) writes for him immunity from the Fire."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1247 - Hisham ibn al-Hakam narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) regarding a man who wishes to perform an act of goodness, such as giving charity or fasting. Imam (as) said: "It is recommended that it be done on Jumu’ah, for deeds performed on Jumu’ah are multiplied."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1249 - In a narration from Ibrahim ibn Abi al-Bilad, from Zurarah, from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) who said: "Whoever recites a line of poetry on the day of Jumu’ah, that will be his share of that day."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1251 - Abdullah ibn Sinan narrated from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) who said: "Whoever, in the last prostration of a recommended prayer (nafilah) after Maghrib on the night of Jumu’ah—and even better if said every night—recites, 'O’ Allah (swt), I ask You by Your Noble Face and Your Great Name to bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and to forgive me my great sin,' seven times, will rise having been forgiven." He also said (as): "When Thursday evening and the night of Jumu’ah arrive, angels descend from the heavens carrying golden pens and silver tablets. They write down nothing from Thursday evening, the night of Jumu’ah, and the day of Jumu’ah until sunset except blessings upon The Prophet (sw)”.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1252 - It is disliked to travel and seek to fulfil needs on the morning of Jumu’ah due to the (obligation of) the Jumu’ah prayer. However, after the prayer, it is permissible and brings blessings." This was mentioned in response to a question by al-Sari from Imam Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad (as).

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1253 - Abu Ayyub al-Khazzaz asked Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (as) about the verse of Allah (swt), the Exalted: "Then when the prayer is ended, disperse in the land and seek Allah’s (swt) bounty" (Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:10). Imam (as) said: "The prayer is on the day of Jumu’ah, and the dispersal is on the day of Saturday."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1254 - Imam (as) said: "Saturday is for the Banu Hashim, and Sunday is for the Banu Umayyah, so beware of taking Sunday”.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1257 - The Messenger of Allah (sw), when Jumu’ah arrived and he did not have any perfume, would request a cloth dyed with saffron, sprinkle water on it, then rub his hands on it, and then wipe it over his face.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1258 - Muhammad ibn Muslim narrated from Imam Abu Ja'far (as) who said: "If there is a distance of three miles between two villages, then there is no problem for these and those to gather (for prayer), and there should not be less than three miles between the two congregations”.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1259 - Imam (as) said: "Indeed, the close angels descend every Jumu’ah, carrying silver tablets and golden pens. They sit at the doors of the mosques on chairs made of light and write down the names of those who attend the Jumu’ah prayer—the first, the second, and the third—until the Imam comes out. When the Imam comes out, they roll up their scrolls."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1261 - The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "None of you should take medicine on Thursday." He was asked: "O’ Amir al-Mu'minin, why is that?" Imam (as) said: "So that it does not weaken one from attending the Jumu’ah prayer."

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1262 - he Prophet said: "Every preacher is like a Qiblah (direction of focus) for the one being preached to, and every person being preached to is like a Qiblah for the preacher”.

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

Hadith.1263 - The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) delivered a sermon on Jumu’ah, saying: "Praise be to Allah (swt), the Praiseworthy Guardian, the Wise, the Glorious, who acts as He wills. He is the Knower of the unseen, the Creator of creation, the Sender of rain, the Director of the affairs of the world and the Hereafter, and the Inheritor of the heavens and the earth. His greatness is unparalleled; every thing is humbled before His greatness, every thing submits to His majesty, every thing surrenders to His power, every thing stands still at His awe, every thing is subdued by His sovereignty and Lord (azj)ship. It is He who 'holds the heavens from falling upon the earth except by His permission,' and nothing happens in the heavens and the earth except with His knowledge. We praise Him for what has passed, we seek His assistance for what lies ahead, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek His guidance. We bear witness that there is no god but Allah (swt), alone, with no partner. He is the Sovereign of the kings, the Lord (azj) of the Lord (azj)s, the Master of the heavens and the earth, the Compeller of all creation. He is 'The Great, the Most High,' 'The Glorious and the Honorable,' the Judge of the Day of Judgment and the Lord (azj) of our forefathers and ancestors. We also bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. He was sent with the truth, inviting people to the truth and bearing witness over them. He fulfilled the messages of his Lord (azj) as he was commanded, neither transgressing nor falling short. He strove for the sake of Allah (swt) against His enemies without slackening or hesitating. He advised Allah (swt) concerning His servants, being patient and hopeful for reward. Allah (swt) then took him unto Himself while He was pleased with his efforts, accepted his endeavors, and forgave his sins. I advise you, O’ servants of Allah (swt), to fear Allah (swt) and to seize every opportunity to obey Him during these transient days. Be wary of this world that will leave you behind even if you cling to it. Though you may wish to stay in it, and it may wear you out though you love to renew it. Your example and the example of this world are like that of travelers who have embarked upon a journey, and they soon reach their destination. How short is the span of one whose days are numbered, how fleeting is the life of one whose end is decreed! Do not vie for honor and pride in this world. Do not be dazzled by its beauty or pleasures. And do not despair from its trials and tribulations, for the pride of this world will cease, its beauty will vanish, its trials and hardships will come to an end. Every duration within it has an end, and every living being within it faces decay and demise. Have you not seen the lessons of those before you? Are you not aware of your past ancestors? Do you not see how they have passed and do not return, while those left behind will soon follow? Allah (swt) says: 'It is forbidden for a town that We have destroyed to return,' and 'Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full rewards on the Day of Resurrection; so whoever is removed from the Fire and is admitted to Paradise has indeed succeeded. The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of deception.' Do you not see the people of this world? They wake up and go to sleep in different states—some mourn the dead, others console the bereaved, some writhe in agony, others comfort or are comforted, while another battles his own soul. The pursuer of worldly gain is pursued by death; some are heedless, though they are not forgotten. As you watch the procession of those who passed, know that you too will follow in their footsteps. Praise be to Allah (swt), the Lord (azj) of the worlds, the Lord (azj) of the seven heavens and the seven earths, the Lord (azj) of the Mighty Throne. He is eternal, while all else perishes, and to Him returns all creation and every matter. This day is one which Allah (swt) has made for you as a festival. It is the master of all your days, and the best of your festivals. Allah (swt) has commanded you in His Book to strive towards His remembrance on this day, so let your desires be strong and pure, and increase your supplication and invocation, asking for His mercy and forgiveness. Indeed, Allah (swt), the Almighty, answers every sincere supplication and will punish those who disobey Him. Every arrogant one who turns away from His worship shall enter Hell in humiliation, as Allah (swt) says: 'Call upon Me, I will respond to you. Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell in disgrace.' In this day is a blessed hour in which no believing servant asks Allah (swt) for anything but that He grants it. The Jumu’ah prayer is obligatory upon every believer, except for children, the sick, the insane, the elderly, the blind, travelers, women, and slaves. May Allah (swt) forgive us and you for our past sins and protect us and you from falling into sin in the remaining days of our lives. Indeed, the best speech and the most profound counsel is the Book of Allah (swt), the Almighty. I seek refuge with Allah (swt) from the accursed Satan: 'Indeed, Allah (swt) is the Opener, the All-Knowing.' 'In the name of Allah (swt), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.' Then recite either: 'Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad' (Surah Al-Ikhlas) or ‘Qul ya-ayyuhal kaafirun’ (Surah al-Kafirun) or ‘Al haaku mut takathur’ (Surah Al-Takathur) or ‘Innaa anzalna’ (Surah Al Qadr)or 'By time.' He would regularly recite: 'Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad' (Surah Al-Ikhlas) Then, he would sit briefly and rise, saying: 'Praise be to Allah (swt); we praise Him, seek His help, believe in Him, and rely on Him. We bear witness that there is no god but Allah (swt), alone without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May the peace, blessings, forgiveness, and pleasure of Allah (swt) be upon him and his family. O’ Allah (swt), bless Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, and grant him growth and purity; raise his rank and show his excellence.' 'O’ Allah (swt), bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed and showed mercy upon Ibrahim (as) and the family of Ibrahim (as); You are the Praised, the Glorious. O’ Allah (swt), punish the disbelievers among the People of the Book who obstruct Your path, reject Your signs, and deny Your messengers. O’ Allah (swt), divide their unity, fill their hearts with fear, send Your wrath, vengeance, and unrelenting punishment upon the criminal people. O’ Allah (swt), grant victory to the armies and troops of the Muslims in the east and west of the earth.' 'Verily, You are over all things competent. O’ Allah (swt), forgive the believers, both men and women, and the Muslims, both men and women. O’ Allah (swt), grant them provision in piety, fill their hearts with faith and wisdom, and make them grateful for Your blessings. Fulfil Your covenant with them, O’ Lord (azj) of truth and Creator of creation. O’ Allah (swt), forgive the deceased among the believers, and make a good successor of those left behind.' 'Indeed, Allah (swt) commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. He admonishes you that you may take heed.' Remember Allah (swt), and He will remember you. Ask Him for His mercy and bounty; He will not disappoint a supplicant who invokes Him: 'Our Lord (azj), give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire.'"

Translation: Bab Ul Qaim Publications — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.