FRIDAY PRAYER (SALATUL-JUMU’AH)

Salah is one of the most important worships for Muslims. It is a prayer that is performed five times a day and the times are determined according to the movements of the sun during the day. These times are: Down, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening. Prayer is a way of recognizing the existence of the Creator, worshipping Him, asking for forgiveness and establishing a connection with Him. The five daily prayers take people away from the rush of daily life and help them to return to themselves and their creator. These prayers can be performed alone or in congregation in a mosque. It is highly advised to join the congregation during prayers in Islam because Islam values the brotherhood among Muslims and the connection of community with each other. The person who meets with his brothers and sisters in the mosque feels that he is part of a great community. This community prevents people from evil and encourages them to do good. In addition, mosques are places that are open to all people and remind people that everyone is equal in the sight of Allah. The person who comes to the mosque stands shoulder to shoulder in prayer with others and accepts them as his brothers and sisters, even if he does not know who they are, what they do and where they come from.

 It is an individual’s choice to pray the five daily prayers in the mosque, but it is necessary for Muslims to gather once a week at one time. This day is Friday, and this time is the time of noon prayer. At noon on Friday, all Muslims gather in mosques. Friday (Jummah) is the day of collective worship, which is highly valued in Islam, and the name given to the worship performed on that day. The word Jummah comes from the root “to gather, to come together”. Jummah, the day of collective worship, is a feast day for Muslims. It is a very good opportunity to turn to Allah, to the most merciful one, and ask for mercy and pray for the forgiveness of sins. Muslims participate in the prayers performed on this day and the mosques are full to capacity. Muslims all over the world pray together, facing the same direction, towards the Ka’bah. Even if they are in different countries, in different mosques, turning in the same direction and worshipping the same God strengthens the feelings of brotherhood.

Friday is regarded as a festival and in preparation for this day, Muslims make the necessary cleanliness, wear light and pleasant odours, clean clothes, and are cheerful and joyful. They pray to Allah and remember the prophets. They ask for forgiveness from Allah and are hopeful that they will be forgiven. Friday is one of the best days on which the sun rises on man. 

Even though Friday prayer is an important weekly practice in Islam, the day itself does not bear sacredness. Therefore, Friday should not be confused with the Jewish Sabbath, in which Jews are prohibited to perform actions like driving, cooking, trade or shopping and so on. Allah says in the Qu’ran “O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed ˹diligently˺ to the remembrance of Allah and leave off ˹your˺ business. That is best for you, if only you knew. Once the prayer is over, disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah often so you may be successful.” [The Qu’ran 62:9-10] Muslims are asked to abandon their worldly business only during the Friday prayer and continue their works after the prayer.

Sermons given before the Friday prayer are also one of the features that make this day important. Sermons given in this day are mostly religious in nature. The content of sermons includes moral, ethical and communal principles of Islam as well as practical teachings. On the other hand, sermons can also be constructed based on specific events, either religious, cultural or political issues. Muslims are informed about the events happening in the world and the needs of those who need help are tried to be provided. For example, after the earthquake in Mexico, the people are informed about it and encouraged to send aid to the people there. Because a Muslim is the bearer of peace and cannot close his eyes to people’s problems. If people need help somewhere, he does his best to help them. Friday sermons also help to inform people about these issues and support them in what they should do.

Here are some of the titles of sermons given to the community in the mosques during Fridays prayers;

·      Islam Commands Us To Live As We Believe

·      Greeting Summer with the Qu’ran

·      'Eid al-Adha

·      Hajj: A Worship that Revives the Individual and Builds the Society

·      Let Us Keep The Ideal Of Islam Alive

·      Family - Wellspring of Peace and Trust

·      Ours Is a Civilization Built on a Tradition of Endowments

·      Du’a; Verbal Expression of Seeking Refuge in Allah