Recommended actions on the day of Jumu'ah

Praying the congregational prayer of Jumu'ah is an obligation upon every male, free, resident Muslim who has reached the age of puberty. It is not compulsory upon travelers, slaves or women but will still count (in reward) for anyone of those who attend it; Jumu'ah is also waved for people with excuses, such as sickness or fear.

Abu Hurayrah  narrated that the Prophet  said: "On the day of Jumu'ah angels stand at the entrance of the mosque to record people's entrance in the order in which they arrive. The one who arrives first is rewarded as though he sacrificed a camel, the next one is as one who sacrificed a cow, the next as one who sacrificed a goat, the next as one who sacrificed a chicken, and the next as one who sacrificed an egg. As soon as the Imam climbs the Minbar (pulpit) they (i.e., the angels) fold their records and sit to listen.”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Thus, it is recommended to go early for congregational Jumu'ah prayers in accordance with the Prophetic tradition. Here are a few other recommended actions on Friday:

The Imam leads the Fajr (Dawn) prayer reciting the chapters As-Sajdah and Al-Insaan completely, and not merely portions, as this was the practice of the Prophet .

It is recommended that one increases his Salaah upon the Prophet (i.e., asking Allah The Almighty to send peace upon him and exalt his mention).

Perform Ghusl (ritual bath), wear perfume and use the Siwaak (i.e., the twig toothbrush). The Messenger of Allah  said: “Ghusl is mandatory upon every Muslim who has reached puberty; and use Siwaak during Jumu'ah and perfume if available.”[Muslim].

It is recommended that a Muslim uses his time to pray, mention the names of Allah The Almighty (Athkaar) and recite the Quran until the Imam arrives.

One must listen closely and pay attention to the Imam, as Abu Hurayrah  narrated that the Prophet  said: “When the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, and you ask your companion to keep quiet and listen, then, no doubt you have spoken (i.e., you have spoiled your Jumu'ah)”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] and in another narration: “Whoever speaks during the Khutbah while the Imam is talking will gain no reward from this Jumu'ah."[Ahmad].

It is recommended to recite the chapter Al-Kahf from the Quran on that day. Abu Saeed Al-Khudri  narrated that the Prophet  said: “The recite of Surat al-Kahf on Jumu’ah will be blessed with a light between that Jumu’ah (and the next) Jumu’ah.”[Al-Hakim and Al-Bayhaqi].

When it is time for the Jumu'ah prayer, it is permitted for someone who must pray the Jumu'ah prayer, to travel.

It is disliked to single out Friday for fasting or night prayers as Abu Hurayrah  narrated that the Prophet  said: “Do not distinguish Friday night for prayers or its day for fasting unless it falls on a day where one of you usually fasts.” [Muslim].

One who wishes to fast on a Friday should fast in addition to it the day before it, or the day after it, as Abu Hurayrah  narrated that the Prophet  said: “Do not fast on a Friday unless you fast a day before it or a day after it (in addition).” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

It is reported that, "The Prophet  used to pray two Rak’ahs after the Jumu'ah prayer" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] also: "He  recommended people to pray four Rak’ahs after it." [Muslim].

It is recommended to pray two Rak’ahs whenever one enters the mosque. The Prophet  said: “When one of you enters the mosque while the Imam is speaking, let him pray two Rak’ahs before he sits down.” [Muslim].

It is recommended that the Imam recite the chapters Al-Jumu'ah and Al-Munaafiqoon during the Jumu'ah prayer as this was the practice of the Prophet . [Imam Muslim.]