Ashkan Shokuri, 27, is from Germany. He and his wife are currently enrolled in the Madina Institute Bachelor of arts in Usul al Din Program.

The Sunnahs of Jumuah

Allah Most High says in the Quran: “O you who believe! When the call for Friday prayer is made, hasten towards the remembrance of Allah Most High and leave all transactions. This is best for you if only you know.” (Quran, 62/9)

Friday is one of Allah’s greatest gifts to this Ummah and a great opportunity to renew one’s faith, make new intentions and pray for forgiveness.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “the person who has a bath on Friday, purifies himself as far as possible, applies oil to his hair, applies perfume, leaves for the mosque, when he arrives at the mosque he does not sit down by removing anyone from his place, offers as many nafl prayers as possible, when the imam delivers the khutbah he remains silent – then his sins from the previous Friday till now will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

The bath on Friday should be done consciously and with pure intention. A Muslim wants to achieve Allah’s pleasure. With this (outer) bath inshaAllah, an inner purification begins. Friday should be used as an opportunity to make Tauba and do good deeds. The perfume we put on inshaAllah, is a sign that we want to do good after our cleansing. The bath and the perfume should therefore be taken very seriously.

The way to the mosque should be accompanied by dhikr and salawat, aware of what a great event you are going to. How much we prepare ourselves internally and externally for the Friday prayer decides how much we will benefit from the preaching and prayer. Whoever falls asleep again and again during the sermon should not hold the preacher responsible, but himself.

By Ashkan Shokuri