jumuah

Jumu'ah, also transliterated Jummah, is the weekly Friday prayer in Islam. It is a congregational act that replaces the ordinary Dhuhr prayer for that day. The ritual comprises two elements: the khutbah, a sermon delivered by an imam, and Salat al-Jumu'ah, the two-rakat prayer performed in congregation. The prayer is usually held in a mosque or other suitable communal space and is open to the community.

Timing and structure: Jumu'ah is performed after the zenith of noon, usually in the early afternoon. Preparations include the call to prayer (adhan) and the second call (iqama) announcing the start of the prayer. The khutbah is delivered in two parts, often with a short pause in between, and may address religious devotion, ethics, social issues, and current events. The second part of the khutbah is typically shorter than the first. After the khutbah, the imam leads Salat al-Jumu'ah, two rakats, in congregation.

Obligation and attendance: In most traditional Sunni schools, attendance at Jumu'ah is obligatory for adult Muslim men who are resident and able to attend; women may attend but are not required, and many communities encourage them to do so. Those who are traveling, ill, or otherwise excused may pray the regular Dhuhr alone. Some communities offer Jumu'ah in local languages as well as Arabic.

Significance: Jumu'ah functions as a weekly communal gathering for worship, reflection, and social solidarity. The khutbah often emphasizes obedience to God, moral conduct, and community affairs, reinforcing shared faith and responsibility.