Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah

Sūrah No. 62. Revealed in Madīnah, 11 verses. 

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Our followers should recite Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah and Sūrat al-A‘lā on the night of Friday, and Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah and Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn on the day of Friday. Whoever does this have done what the Holy Prophet a did and his reward with Allah will be Paradise.

Imam Ja‘far al-Sādiq (a)

Note: Quranic Scholars say that the reward is connected to the contents of the Sūrah and requires that recitation be done with awareness, comprehension, reflection and having an intention of implementation.

General synopsis of contents

1) Glorification of Allah by all creation (v. 1)

2) The different roles of the Holy Prophet 2 (v. 2)

3) A warning to the believers not to deviate from the true religion like previous communities (v. 5)

4) A discussion on death; being afraid of death because one’s deeds and death as a return to Allah for the taking of account (vv. 6-8)

5) The importance of the Friday prayer (vv. 9-10)

Selected Lessons

1) The Holy Prophet a recited the Quran to the people and purified them before teaching them the Book and wisdom.

2) To receive the message from Allah but not to understand its value is like an animal who does not understand the value of what it carries.

3) Those who commit unworthy deeds cannot look forward to the return to Allah.

4) Friday prayer is an integral part of the Muslim community. It is more important than work and trade.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 62:4 – That is Allah’s grace; He grants it to whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

2) 62:9 – O you who have faith! When the call is made for prayer on Friday, hurry toward the remembrance of Allah, and leave all business. That is better for you, if you know.

Activities for self-study

Study verses 9-11. What two things should we do when the call to prayer is done on Friday? What three things can be done after the prayer is completed? The last verse shows the attitude of certain people regarding worldly goods and prayer. How does the verse reason with them?