Reflections on Surat al-Jumu’ah


Reflections on Sūrat al-Jumuʿah
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 26th November 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

The talk provides an in-depth reflection on Surat al-Jumu’ah, particularly its final verses, which emphasize the significance of Jumu’ah Salah and proper conduct during it. The talk explains the Quranic command to hasten to the remembrance of Allāh and leave off trade, highlighting that Jumu’ah prayer takes precedence over all worldly affairs. A historical discussion follows on the adhan for Jumu’ah, explaining that during the Prophet’s ﷺ time, there was only one adhan, but Caliph Uthman (r.a.) introduced a second due to Medina’s population growth. The importance of attending the khutbah with full concentration and avoiding distractions is stressed, as the khutbah is considered part of the prayer. Listeners are reminded that talking during the khutbah, even to correct someone, nullifies its reward. The etiquette of bringing children to the masjid is also discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring they do not disrupt the congregation.

The talk elaborates on the balance Islam strikes between worship and work, noting that while trading and labour must cease during Jumu’ah, they are permissible and even encouraged afterward. Unlike other religious traditions where holy days are days of complete rest, Islam allows trade and economic activity after prayer, demonstrating its practical and balanced approach. The importance of arriving early, maintaining discipline, and respecting the masjid’s sacredness is emphasized, along with the virtues of walking to Jumu’ah calmly rather than rushing.

The talk concludes with a reminder that Jumu’ah should not be treated as a routine task but as a weekly opportunity for spiritual renewal, reinforcing that true success lies in prioritizing Allāh’s remembrance over worldly gains.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:

0:00 – Intro: Surat al-Jumu’ah and the Friday Prayer
5:20
– Understanding the adhan for Jumu’ah
17:33
– The importance of attending the khutbah
24:07
– The etiquette of Jumu’ah prayer
41:06
– The role of the khutbah
46:55
– Proper conduct when attending Jumu’ah
54:35
– What happens after Jumu’ah salah?
1:03:46
– Balancing worship and work

FREE audio download available on SoundCloud

Tags
Reflections on Surat al-Jumu'ah, Tafsir
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