Friday Prayer

Friday Prayer is a congregational prayer performed by Muslims on Friday at midday. It consists of two units of prayer recited aloud, replacing the four units of the midday prayer. It is preceded by a sermon (khutba) delivered by the prayer leader from the pulpit.

The prayer is performed in mosques or communal gatherings. Islamic scholars have agreed that it is obligatory for able-bodied men of sound mind who are settled in a place, while women, children, the sick, and travelers are not obligated to attend, though they may do so if present.

Order of the service

When the appointed time arrives, the call to prayer is made. The prayer leader ascends the pulpit and delivers two sermons separated by a brief pause. The sermons typically include praise of God, verses from the Quran, and teachings relating to religion and community life. After the sermons, two units of congregational prayer follow, led by the imam.

Conditions and school of law differences

The four schools of Islamic law differ on requirements, particularly regarding the number of people necessary for the prayer to be valid and whether it must be performed in a city or settlement. Some schools accept a small number of participants, while others set higher thresholds. There is also scholarly disagreement on whether the midday prayer should be performed again after Friday Prayer.

Community practice

Friday Prayer is a major social occasion in many Muslim countries, observed weekly. In some countries, Friday is an official rest day or working hours are shortened. The sermons sometimes address social and political matters, making mosques spaces for communal discussion. In Somali practice, people typically bathe, wear clean clothes, and arrive at the mosque early.