Friday exists in most people’s week as the end of something — the working week, the school run, the grind. In Islam, it is the beginning of something. The Prophet ﷺ called it the best day on which the sun has ever risen. Not just a good day. The best day. And most of us let it pass like any other.
What makes Friday the best day
The Prophet 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. The Hour will not come except on a Friday.” (Muslim 854). Creation, paradise, expulsion, the Day of Judgement — Friday holds all of it. It is the day on which the most significant events in human history occurred and will occur.
It also contains an hour — a specific window — in which dua is not rejected. “On Friday there is an hour in which, if a Muslim happens to pray at that time and asks Allah for something good, He will grant it to him.” (Bukhari 935, Muslim 852). Scholars differ on exactly when this hour is — the most commonly accepted view is the last hour before Maghrib.
What is established for Jumu’ah day
Ghusl (full bath). The Prophet ﷺ said: “It is a duty on every Muslim to perform ghusl on Friday.” (Bukhari 858). Scholars differ on whether this is obligatory or strongly recommended — but it is consistent Sunnah.
Abundant salawat on the Prophet ﷺ. “Increase your salawat upon me on Friday, for your salawat are presented to me.” (Abu Dawud 1047, graded sahih). Friday is when salawat carry particular weight.
Reading Surah Al-Kahf. Discussed in a previous article — light between the two Fridays for whoever reads it.
Arriving early to Jumu’ah prayer. The earlier you arrive, the greater the reward — described as gifts of increasing value (Bukhari 929).
Dua in the last hour before Maghrib. Whether sitting in the mosque, at home after Asr, or wherever you are — make this time a time of dua.
Why Friday requires intentional preparation
Friday’s blessings are not automatic. They are available — but they require showing up to receive them. The person who rushes through Jumu’ah on autopilot and treats the rest of the day as a regular workday does not lose something they were guaranteed. They simply do not pick up what was available.
The Prophet ﷺ described three types of people who come to Jumu’ah: one who comes and is silent and attentive, one who comes and asks but is answered, and one who comes wanting something worldly. The first two receive their respective shares. The third “merely attended Jumu’ah.” (Abu Dawud 1113). Presence is required, but engaged presence is what produces the full benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Friday the best day in Islam?
The Prophet ﷺ said Friday is the best day the sun has ever risen on — the day of Adam’s creation, his entry to paradise, his expulsion from it, and the day the Hour will come (Muslim 854). It combines sacred history with ongoing spiritual opportunity, including an hour when dua is never rejected (Bukhari 935).
When is the special hour of dua on Friday?
Scholars differ. The two most commonly held views are: the time when the imam sits between the two khutbahs, and the last hour before Maghrib (after Asr until sunset). Many scholars consider the latter more likely based on hadith analysis. Making dua consistently in both windows is the safe and comprehensive approach.
What should I do on Fridays beyond Jumu’ah prayer?
The established Sunnah includes: ghusl before Jumu’ah, reading Surah Al-Kahf, abundant salawat on the Prophet ﷺ, arriving early to the prayer, and making dua in the last hour before Maghrib. Each of these has independent virtue — together they make Friday a genuinely different day, not just a different prayer.
The best day the sun has ever risen on comes every seven days. That is a generous frequency. This Friday, pick up what is available.