The Virtues of Friday in Ramadan According to the Quran and Sunnah

Introduction

Friday (Jumu’ah) holds a special status in Islam, often referred to as the best day of the week. When this blessed day coincides with Ramadan, its virtues multiply, bringing greater rewards and spiritual benefits.

This article explores the fazilat (virtues) of Friday in Ramadan based on authentic sources from the Quran and Sunnah, highlighting the importance of maximizing worship, making dua, and engaging in good deeds.

The Significance of Friday in Islam

Friday is considered the best day of the week in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created, on it, he was admitted to Paradise, and on it, he was expelled from it.” (Sahih Muslim 854)

Additionally, Friday is the day of Jumu’ah prayer, a weekly congregational prayer that holds great significance. Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:

“O you who have believed, when [the call to] prayer is made 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)

The Special Virtues of Friday in Ramadan

When Friday falls in Ramadan, the rewards are even greater. Ramadan is already a blessed month, and Friday enhances its blessings. Below are some key virtues of Friday in Ramadan:

1. A Day of Forgiveness and Acceptance of Duties

One of the most significant aspects of Friday is that it contains an hour in which duas are accepted. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“There is a moment on Friday during which a Muslim, while he is standing in prayer and supplicating to Allah, will be granted whatever he asks for.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 935, Sahih Muslim 852)

During Ramadan, when Allah’s mercy is at its peak, making dua on Fridays becomes even more effective. Muslims should take advantage of this time by making repentance, seeking forgiveness, and asking for their needs.

2. Increased Rewards for Good Deeds

Every deed in Ramadan is multiplied in reward, and Friday is already a day of enhanced rewards. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever performs a good deed in Ramadan will be rewarded seventy times more than on other days.” (Ibn Khuzaymah)

On Fridays in Ramadan, believers should focus on extra ibadah such as:

• Reciting Surah Al-Kahf (as per Sunnah)
• Sending salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (PBUH)
• Engaging in dhikr and tasbeeh
• Giving sadaqah (charity)
• Increasing voluntary prayers (nawafil)

3. Attending Jumu’ah in Ramadan Brings Double Blessings

Attending Jumu’ah Salah is an obligation for Muslim men, and its reward is already great. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The five daily prayers and one Jumu’ah to the next Jumu’ah expiate sins committed in between, as long as major sins are avoided.” (Sahih Muslim 233)

In Ramadan, sins are forgiven more easily due to the mercy of Allah. Attending Jumu’ah during Ramadan can therefore lead to a complete purification of one’s sins, allowing for a fresh start.

4. The Importance of Giving Charity on Friday in Ramadan

Friday is known as the best day for giving charity. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday...” (Sahih Muslim 854)

Since Ramadan is the month of generosity and rewards for charity are multiplied, giving sadaqah on Fridays in Ramadan is highly recommended.

5. Increased Opportunity for Seeking Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree) falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan and is better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3). If Friday falls on one of these nights, the rewards are unimaginable.

Muslims should increase their ibadah on Fridays in the last ten nights, as it may coincide with Laylatul Qadr, leading to immense rewards.

Sunnah Practices for Friday in Ramadan

To fully benefit from Friday in Ramadan, follow these Sunnah actions:

1. Perform Ghusl (ritual purification):
   • The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged taking a ghusl on Fridays (Sahih al-Bukhari 877, Sahih Muslim 846).
2. Wear clean, good clothes.
   • It is recommended to dress nicely for Jumu’ah prayer.
3. Apply perfume (for men):
   • The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged applying itr (fragrance) on Fridays.
4. Recite Surah Al-Kahf:
   • The Prophet (PBUH) said:

     “Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” (Sunan al-Kubra 5856)

5. Increase salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (PBUH):
   • The Prophet (PBUH) said:

     “Increase your sending of blessings upon me on Fridays, for your blessings are presented to me.” (Abu Dawood 1531)

6. Make abundant dua in the last hour before Maghrib:
   • This is when duas are most likely to be accepted.
7. Give charity:
   • Any act of sadaqah given on Friday brings extra rewards, especially in Ramadan.

Conclusion

Friday in Ramadan is a golden opportunity to seek the mercy and blessings of Allah. Combining the virtues of Jumu’ah and Ramadan makes this day one of the most rewarding times for worship and good deeds.

To maximize the blessings of Friday in Ramadan, one should:

• Attend Jumu’ah prayer and listen attentively to the khutbah
• Increase dua, dhikr, and recitation of Surah Al-Kahf
• Perform extra prayers and give charity generously
• Seek forgiveness and engage in isighfar.

By following these practices, a Muslim can attain immense rewards, forgiveness, and spiritual upliftment. Let us make the most of Friday in Ramadan and seek Allah’s mercy, as we may not get another opportunity in our lifetime!

May Allah accept our ibadah and grant us the blessings of Friday in Ramadan. Ameen!

ummah blessings

Friday prayers

Islamic virtues

Quran recitation

Day of mercy