Friday (Jummah) is regarded as the most blessed day of the week in Islam. Allah has granted it a special status above all other days. It is a day when believers experience a unique sense of spiritual joy, compassion and brotherhood. The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlights a number of recommended acts of worship and good deeds to observe on this day.

The following are some of the key practices:

1. Reciting Specific Surahs in Fajr Prayer

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) would recite Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Al-Insan during the Fajr prayer on Fridays. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 1068)

These surahs mention the creation of Prophet Adam (AS), the Resurrection and the gathering of mankind on the Day of Judgement—events associated with Friday—serving as a reminder for the Muslim Ummah.

2. Sending Abundant Blessings upon the Prophet (Durood/Salawat)

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Send abundant blessings upon me on Friday, for your blessings are presented to me.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1047)

3. Performing the Friday Jummah Prayer

Jummah prayer is among the most important obligatory acts in Islam. It is one of the largest weekly gatherings of Muslims after the Day of Arafah. Those who neglect Friday prayer out of laziness or disregard are warned that Allah may seal their hearts.

4. Performing Bath

Islam strongly encourages Muslims to perform a ritual bath before attending Friday prayer.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever comes for the Friday prayer should perform bath.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 492)

5. Applying Perfume

It is recommended to use fragrance on Fridays more than on other days.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If perfume is available on Friday, one should apply it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 880)

6. Arriving Early at the Mosque

Going to the mosque early is among the virtuous deeds that enable believers to attain the blessings and rewards of Friday.

7. Engaging in Worship Before the Khutbah

Before the Imam arrives, Muslims are encouraged to spend their time in voluntary prayers, remembrance of Allah (Zikr) and recitation of the Qur’an.

8. Remaining Silent During the Sermon

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “If you tell your companion to keep quiet while the Imam is delivering the Friday sermon, you have engaged in idle speech.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i, Hadith: 1401)

9. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will be illuminated with light between this Friday and the next.” (At-Targhib, Hadith: 735)

10. Reciting the Sunnah Surahs in Jummah Prayer

Nu’man ibn Bashir (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) recited Surah Al-A’la and Surah Al-Ghashiyah during the two Eid prayers and the Friday prayer. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1913)

Other narrations mention that he also recited Surah Al-Jummah together with Surah Al-A’la.

11. Wearing Clean and Fine Clothes

The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to bathe thoroughly, wear their best clothes, apply perfume and avoid disturbing others when attending Friday prayer.

He said that whoever does so will have their minor sins forgiven between one Friday and the next, provided they avoid major sins. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1097)

12. Perfuming the Mosque

It is reported that Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) instructed that the mosque be perfumed at midday on Fridays.

13. Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness

Friday is a day of immense mercy and forgiveness.

The Prophet (PBUH) said that if a Muslim purifies himself, walks to the congregational mosque and remains silent until the Imam finishes the prayer, that Friday prayer will serve as an expiation for the minor sins committed between that Friday and the next, so long as major sins are avoided. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 23729)

14. Praying for the Deceased

Muslims are encouraged to remember and pray for the deceased on Fridays.

Some narrations indicate that those who die on Friday or its night are granted special mercy regarding the trial of the grave. However, scholars note that these narrations should not be interpreted as a guarantee of complete exemption from punishment until the Day of Judgement.

15. Making Abundant Supplications (Doa)

Friday contains a special moment during which supplications are accepted.

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “There is a moment on Friday during which no Muslim asks Allah for something good except that He grants it. He added that this period is very brief.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1858)

According to the majority of scholars, this blessed time is most likely between the Asr prayer and sunset. (Summarised from Zad al-Ma’ad)