What happens on Fridays?
From Shane's Muslim Connect
Friday, as you may know, is a big day for Muslims. What you may not know is how Jumu’ah, their special day of prayer and worship unfolds. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Starting Thursday night, a good Muslim will begin asking God for forgiveness. They will also lay out clothes and make sure there’s cologne in the house.
- Wake up, take a bath, clip fingernails and put your best clothes on.
- If you walk instead of riding or driving to Friday prayers, a Hadith says you get a year of forgiveness for each step you take!
- Get to the mosque early. Muhammad is reported to have said an angel makes note of who arrives first, second and so on and rewards the early birds. (I’m wondering if I could convince my congregation that this is a thing for us!)
- Do the required washing prior to entering the prayer area of the mosque.
- Get some extra prayers in between the first and second call to prayer.
- After the second call to prayer, the imam delivers a sermon on a pertinent (hopefully!) topic that often includes a short intermission before he finishes with a prayer. (Muslims highly value quiet and attentiveness during this time.)
- Following the khutbah (sermon), everyone stands for two sets (rakʿahs) of formal prayer (salat), and the official part is over.
- Those who don’t have to hustle back to work might then hang out, catch up with friends and go out to eat with their family. (Hopefully they’re better tippers than some Christians!)
Of course, it’s one thing to read about what happens at Friday prayers. It’s another altogether to visit! I’d encourage you to do so. It’s not cheating on Jesus. Wouldn’t you love for a Muslim to visit your church? I sure would.