jummah

Jummah, from the Arabic al-Jumuʿah (the Friday gathering), refers to the weekly Friday congregational prayer in Islam. It is observed by Muslims around midday and is considered the principal weekly prayer, replacing the Dhuhr prayer on that day in communities that hold a Friday prayer at a mosque.

The Jummah prayer has two primary components: the khutbah (sermon) and the prayer. The khutbah is delivered from the pulpit by the imam in two parts, with a short break in between, and it covers religious, ethical, and communal topics. After the khutbah, the imam leads a two-rakat prayer.

Practices and attendance vary by tradition and country. In many Sunni communities, attending Jummah is obligatory (fard) for adult, free male Muslims who can reach a mosque; women may attend but it is not required. A call to prayer (adhan) is commonly used to announce the time and gather the congregation, though its use is not universal.

Jummah emphasizes communal worship and social cohesion, and the khutbah traditionally includes guidance on personal conduct, family matters, and social issues. Those unable to attend often perform the regular Dhuhr prayer instead.

The word jummah means “assembly” or “congregation” and reflects the gathering nature of the prayer.