Jumu’ah prayer holds immense significance in Islam, particularly for Muslim men. At the Waukegan Islamic Center, we emphasize the spiritual and communal importance of arriving early for Friday prayers. Scholars from various Islamic schools of thought (madhahib) have highlighted the virtues of punctuality for Jumu’ah prayers, drawing from the Quran and Sunnah to stress its critical role in a believer’s life.

Quranic Guidance on Jumu’ah

The Quran underlines the importance of Friday prayers in Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:9):

“Believers, when the call for the prayer is made on Friday, come hurriedly to Allah’s remembrance and stop all work. That certainly is good for you.”

This verse mandates Friday prayer for all believers, with specific exemptions for women, travelers, and the sick. The “Dhikr-Allah” mentioned refers to the Friday sermon, a vital component of Jumu’ah. This command encourages believers to leave worldly engagements and hasten to the mosque for the prayer.