Back to Basics

Salaam Minara Family,

Friday greetings to you from a wintry end of the week in the UK ❄️

Today we’re taking it back to basics and reminding ourselves of the sweet and simple sunan [plural of sunnah] of the day of Jumu’ah.

We’re all about elevating our prayer practice and one way to do so is engaging in the ‘ibadah around the Jumu’ah prayer and honouring the Friday as the best of days.

Did you know?

The term Jumu'ah comes from the same root as jama'ah, which means ‘the gathering of people’.

There’s a little something something about Fridays isn’t there? No matter which part of the world you’re from. I just returned from the Middle East recently and really revelled in the hustle and bustle of making it to the masjid for the Friday prayer after a shorter day at school and work for the residents there.

In England too though, we have our own traditions and Friday really does feel like a mini ‘Eid. In my family, rice is always prepared for Friday lunch [thank you to the wonderful women [or men!] for preparing this] and we all share this time to eat together after the Jum’uah prayer.

So there really is this sense of togetherness in our Fridays: coming together for the prayer, eating together, making du’a for one another and of course, in our honouring of the Noble Prophet ﷺ by embodying his sunnah.

As well as a little insight into some wonderful Islamic traditions, we’re sharing some Did You Knows and a reflection on Surah Kahf too. 

Happy sunnah-ing! ✨

There is a whole surah dedicated to Friday in the Qur’an - Surah Jumu’ah - the 62nd Surah in the Qur’an. Some of what this surah addresses is the establishment of the Friday prayer and ensuring we leave all matters of business to attend to Jumu’ah salah. This is referenced in the section of Surah Jumu’ah as a reminder to the Muslims not to discard the Friday in the way that Jews then treated their Sabbath.

The following five significant events took place on a Friday all pertaining to our forefather, Prophet Adam [peace be upon him]:

• Allah created Prophet Adam [peace be upon him]

• Prophet Adam entered Jannah

• Prophet Adam’s repentance was accepted

• Allah sent Prophet Adam down to earth

• Prophet Adam’s demise [peace be upon him]

It is on a Friday that Angel Israfeel will blow the trumpet and the Call of Resurrection will be made.

The Prophet ﷺ entitled Friday as a day of ‘Eid.

Within Friday, lies an hour of acceptance. Of what you ask? Of du’a. According to the majority of scholars, this is the hour before sunset while one view is that of the time of the Imam’s kutbah [Friday sermon]. We may as well greedily grab both opinions because Allah is rejecting no du’a made in good faith!

Last but not least, if a Muslim passes away on a Friday, s/he will be protected from the trials of the grave - subhana Allah. What a favourable day to be taken and what wonderful tidings await this lucky recipient.

May Allah take our souls when He is most pleased with us.

Aameen Ya Rabb📿

1. Sending salawaat [salutations] on the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet is the leader of all mankind and Friday has superiority over the other days of the week. This is the best of days to send salutations upon the best of Allah’s creation ﷺ 🌌

2. Offering Fajr in congregation 👨🏾‍👩🏾‍👧🏽‍👦🏾

3. Reading Surah Kahf as its recitation will be a light for the reader from one Friday to the next 📖

4. Bathing 🛁

5. Wearing your best clothes🥻

6. Wearing a fragrance🕯️

7. Using a miswaak. The Prophet loved ﷺusing a miswaak so much that if he had not feared it being a burden for his ummah, he most certainly would have made it obligatory. You can have a little read of some of the virtues of a miswaak here 🪥

8. Going to the Masjid as early as possible 🕧

9. Walking to the Masjid. When a Muslim leaves his house to go the Masjid, one step records a good deed, whilst the other erases a bad one 🚶🏽‍♂️

10. Making du’a particularly after the ‘Asr prayer🤲🏽

When we turn to Allah, He will turn to us.

The young youth [from the cave] were firm in their faith.

Before protecting them physically in the cave, Allah protected them emotionally in their hearts.

He ‘tied’ their hearts and strengthened the youth, as a result of their sincerity.

Trust that no matter the difficulty, when you turn to Allah with sincerity, He will never let you down 👌🏽

Reprinted with the permission of original owner @deenandchai

Signing off with a quick tip. If you find yourself being unable to read Surah Kahf because of timing or travel issues, then there is virtue in reading just the first 10 and last 10 verses of the surah.

Remember, Surah Kahf can be recited from the point after Maghreb on the Thursday till Maghreb the next day. If the day is tight, then Thursday evening is such a great opportunity to schedule in your weekly recitation.

Happy Friday friends! 💝

Leaving you in Allah’s protection,

The Minara Team