Friday (يوم الجمعة, Yawm al-Jumu'ah) holds a special place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it. And the Hour will not be established except on Friday." (Sahih Muslim). Because of its special status, there are numerous Sunnahs specifically associated with this blessed day.
The Sunnahs before Jumu'ah prayer include: taking a bath (ghusl) — the Prophet ﷺ said, "The bath on Friday is obligatory for every adult"; wearing your best clothes and applying perfume; using the miswak (tooth stick); going to the masjid early, as the earlier you arrive, the greater the reward; and walking to the masjid rather than riding, if possible. It is also Sunnah to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Surah 18) on Friday — the Prophet ﷺ said that whoever reads it would have a light between the two Fridays.
During the khutbah (sermon), it is Sunnah to listen attentively and avoid talking, even to tell someone else to be quiet. The Prophet ﷺ said: "If you say to your companion on Friday while the Imam is delivering the khutbah, 'Listen!' you have committed laghw (idle speech)." After the Jumu'ah prayer, it is Sunnah to pray either two or four rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer.
One of the most important Friday Sunnahs is to send abundant salawaat (blessings) upon the Prophet ﷺ. He said: "The most excellent of your days is Friday, so send abundant salawaat upon me on that day, for your salawaat will be presented to me." The recommended form is: اللهم صلّ على محمد وعلى آل محمد (Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aali Muhammad). Our platform includes a Friday Sunnah checklist to help you practice all these beautiful acts of worship each week.