Non-participation in the Friday congregational prayer for no...

Non-participation in the Friday congregational prayer for no reason at all is a sign of hypocrisy { nifaq }. It is better for the prayer leader in the first rak‘ah to recite Surah al-Jum‘ah after Surah al-Hamd and Surah al-Munafiqun in the second rak‘ah .

The Messenger of Allah (S) has said: “Through the Surah al-Jum‘ah , God has honored the believers.” Thus, as glad tidings for them, the Prophet (S) has made it his tradition { sunnah } to recite Surah al-Jum‘ah, and as a reproach to hypocrites, he has regarded it necessary to recite Surah al-Munafiqun .[^2] Importance of Friday congregational prayer There are many hadith s which have been narrated in this regard and it is impossible to deal with them here.[^3] The Messenger of Allah (S) has regarded Friday congregational prayer as the Hajj pilgrimage of the poor[^4] and as a means of forgiveness of sins.

Friday congregational prayer demonstrates the power of Muslims and is a meeting place of the faithful worshippers. At the beginning of migration { hijrah }, the Apostle of Allah (S) held the first Friday congregational prayer for the people of Medina laying the foundation of this splendid and constructive gathering. This prayer has political and administrative dimensions.

The khatib and imam of Friday congregational prayer is either the ruler of Muslims or appointed by the leader to assume the post. There are many constructive educational and social blessings and effects this ‘political worship’. Some of them are the following: 1. Cultivating the spirit of fraternity and brotherhood All people from different places gather in a single prayer ground and sit together, without distinction of race and color.

Whatever is present in a congregational prayer is far greater and stronger in the Friday congregational prayer—this weekly gathering of Muslims. 2. Formation of the Islamic forces This act of worship organizes the Muslims around the axis of worship and prayer, and strikes fear in the heart of the enemy as well as thwarts the plots and intrigues of the discord-mongers. 3.

Intellectual and political development of the Muslims According to the exigency of subject matters, the information given during Friday prayer sermons makes the people aware of political issues concerning their country and the world. By familiarizing them with social responsibilities, they tend to have greater participation in the society scene. 4.