In Islam, Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah) holds immense importance. Its significance is rooted in many historical events, and it is a day that Allah has specifically chosen for the Ummah (Muslim community). Although worship of Allah is not limited to any specific day or time—since a believer can remember and worship Him at all times—certain occasions hold special significance and carry blessings. Friday is one of those occasions.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described Friday as a day of celebration for Muslims, calling it a weekly Eid.
Verily, this is the Eid day (day of celebration) that God has prescribed for the Muslims. — Ibn Majah
On this day, Muslims are showered with the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. It is a day of gathering, unity, and renewal of faith. Muslims perform the Jumu‘ah prayer (Friday prayer) in congregation and engage in extra acts of worship, such as: Making abundant dhikr (remembrance of Allah), sending salawat (durood) upon the Prophet ﷺ, Sincere dua (supplication), and Recitation of the Qur’an.
Thus, Friday is not only a weekly reminder of faith but also a spiritual opportunity for seeking forgiveness, receiving blessings, and drawing closer to Allah.
The Significance of Friday in Islam
1. The Best Day of the Week
Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:
“The best day the sun rises over is Friday; on it Allah created Adam. On it, he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the last Hour will be established on no day other than Friday.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 854
This hadith highlights the great virtue of Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah) and demonstrates its significance. It was on this day that the world was created, and it will also be on this day that the world will come to an end.
2. The Day Chosen for Muslims
Abu Huraira and Huraira narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“It was Friday from which Allah diverted those who were before us. For the Jews (the day set aside for prayer) was Sabt (Saturday), and for the Christians it was Sunday. And Allah turned towards us and guided us to Friday (as the day of prayer) for us. In fact, He (Allah) made Friday, Saturday and Sunday (as days of prayer). In this order would they (Jews and Christians) come after us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of (the Ummahs) among the people in this world and the first among the created to be judged on the Day of Resurrection. In one narration it is: ‘, to be judged among them”.
— Sahih Muslim 856
This hadith shows how great the virtue of Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah) truly is. It is the day that Allah Almighty Himself has chosen for the Muslims as a special day of worship. And what could signify its importance more than the fact that it was selected by Allah for His servants?
3. The Day on which Allah Perfected His Religion (Deen)
Allah says in the Quran:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
— Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:3
Another sign of the virtue of Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah) is that on this very day, the famous verse was revealed in which Allah Almighty declared the perfection of this religion for the Muslims.
4. A Day of Gathering and Special Prayer
Allah commands Muslims in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
— Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9
One of the most distinctive aspects of Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah) is the Salat al-Jumu‘ah (Friday prayer) itself. It is obligatory (fard) upon every Muslim man to leave aside all worldly engagements and attend the masjid for this special prayer.
On Friday, the entire Ummah comes together in one place, listening attentively to the khutbah (sermon) delivered by the Imam before the prayer. This gathering not only strengthens unity but also serves as a reminder of faith, guidance, and brotherhood.
Why Reciting the Quran on Fridays Holds Importance?
While no Hadith specifies reciting the whole Quran on Friday, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized reciting the Qur’an abundantly, and the scholars recommend increasing it on Fridays due to its status.
Scholars extended this encouragement to reciting the Quran on blessed days like Friday, since it is the best day of the week.
Moreover, Reciting the Quran on Friday is a Sunnah, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself used to recite certain chapters on this day, such as Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18), Surah As-Sajdah (Chapter 32), and Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76). These practices highlight the special connection between Friday and the Quran, reminding believers to renew their faith and draw closer to Allah through its recitation.
Several authentic narrations highlight the virtue of reciting certain Surahs of the Qur’an on Friday (Jumʿah). These Hadiths show us the importance of Qur’an recitation on this blessed day.
1. Surah Al-Kahf
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu‘ah, a light will shine for him between this Friday and the next.”
— al-Sunan al-Kubrá lil-Bayhaqī 5996
This Hadith teaches us that reciting Surah al-Kahf on Jumuʿah is a means of guidance, light, and protection throughout the week.
2. Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Al-Insan in Fajr Prayer
It is narrated that:
“The Prophet ﷺ used to recite in the Fajr prayer on Friday: ‘Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (Surah As-Sajdah)’ and ‘Hal Ata ‘ala al-Insan (Surah Al-Insan).”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 891 | Sahih Muslim 879
It was sunnah to recite Soorat al-Sajdah in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Insaan in the second.
Conclusion
Friday is not just another day in the week—it is a day chosen by Allah for remembrance, prayer, and mercy. Both the Quran and Hadith emphasize their special place in the life of a Muslim. Among the many Sunnahs of this day, reciting the Holy Quran, especially Surah Al-Kahf, holds immense importance. The Prophet ﷺ himself made it a habit to recite specific Surahs on Fridays, teaching us that this act purifies the heart, increases light, and prepares believers for the Day of Judgment.