Friday… Provisions, Ethics, Virtues
Khaalid Abu Saalih
- Categories: Fiqh of Prayer -
Friday… Provisions – Ethics – Virtues… with notifications about some errors
All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Prayers and peace of Allah be upon the Imam of the Prophets and Messengers.
My Muslim brother: Allah, Glorified and Exalted has specialized this nation with a lot of characteristics great virtues among which is favoring it with Friday after He has misled the Jews and Christian from it. Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “It was Friday from which Allah diverted those who were before us. For the Jews (the day set aside for prayer) was Sabbath (Saturday), and for the Christians it was Sunday. Then Allah has brought us. He has guided us to Friday (as the day of prayer for us). In fact, He (Allah) has made Friday, Saturday and Sunday (as days of prayer). In this order they (Jews and Christians) would come after us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people in this worldly life and we are the first among the creation to be judged on the Day of Resurrection.” [Reported by Muslim: 856]
«أضلّ الله عن الجمعة من كان قبلنا. فكان لليهود يوم السبت. وكان للنّصارى يوم الأحد. فجاء الله بنا. فهدانا الله ليوم الجمعة. فجعل الجمعة والسبت والأحد. وكذلك هم تبع لنا يوم القيامة. نحن الآخرون من أهل الدّنيا والأولون يوم القيامة المقضي لهم قبل الخلائق» رواه مسلم
A day of worship
Al-Hafiz ibn Kathir said, “It is called jum'ah (the Arabic for Friday) as it is derived from the word jama'a (the Arabic for 'to gather or to assemble'). Muslims assemble on Friday every week in grand mosques. Allah has ordered His worshippers to assemble to worship Him. Allah Almighty has said, {O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salât (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allâh [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)]} [Surat Al-Jumu’ah 62:9]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلاةِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ} الجمعة: 9
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha noodiya lilssalati min yawmi aljumuAAati faisAAaw ila thikri Allahi watharoo albayAAa thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona (9)
This means: intend to, embark and be concerned while you are walking to perform it. However, this does not mean to walk quickly or hastily; haste walking to perform the prayer is forbidden. Al-Hassan said, “by Allah, it is not walking quickly on our feet that they are forbidden to come to prayer but wearing the garments of serenity and reverence, it is seeking prayers with the hearts, the intention and piety.” (The Interpretation of ibn Kathir: 4/385-386). Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Friday is a day of worship. Friday to other days is like Ramadan to other months. The hour of response on Friday is like the Night of the Decree in Ramadan.” (Zad al-Ma'âd (the Provision for the Hereafter): 1/398)
The virtues of Friday
1 – It is the best of days. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. On it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday.” [Reported by Muslim: 854]
«خير يوم طلعت عليه الشّمس يوم الجمعة، فيه خلق آدم، وفيه أدخل الجنّة، وفيه أخرج منها، ولا تقوم السّاعة إلا في يوم الجمعة» رواه مسلم
2 – It includes the Friday prayer which is the most affirmed obligation of Islam and one of the greatest gatherers of Muslims. Whoever leaves it in negligence Allah will seal his heart as has been mentioned in the authentic Hadith.
3 – It has a time where the invocation is responded to. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has mentioned Friday and said, “There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim would pray and ask Allah for a thing (that is good) but He would give it to him.” Qutaiba increased in his narration, “and he pointed with the help of his hand that it (the time) is short.” [Reported by al-Bukhari: 935 and Muslim: 852]
«فيه ساعة. لا يوافقها عبد مسلم، وهو يصلّي، يسأل الله شيئًا، إلا أعطاه إياه. زاد قتيبة في روايته: وأشار بيده يُقَلَلها» رواه البخاري ومسلم
After the difference in identifying this time, ibn al-Qayyim said, “the most probable of these opinions are two opinions included in the established Hadith:
The first: It is between the time when the Imam sits down and the end of the prayer. Ibn 'Umar narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “It is between the time when the Imam sits down and the end of the prayer.” [Reported by Muslim: 853]
«هي ما بين أن يجلس الإمام إلى أن تُقضى الصّلاة» رواه مسلم
The second opinion is that it is after the afternoon which is more probable of the two opinions.” )Zad al-Ma'âd (the Provision for the Hereafter): 1/398-390(
4 – Allah Glorified and Exalted reveals Himself on Friday to His Auliyâ' (i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allâh and fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), in Paradise. Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said that the words of Allah Almighty, {and We have more (for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic)} [Surat Qâf 50:35]
{وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ} ق: 35
Transliteration: waladayna mazeedun (35)
they mean that He will be seen by them every Friday.
5 – It is a weekly feast. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “This is a feast day that Allah has specified for the Muslims, so whoever comes to perform the Friday prayer let him have total ablution…” [Reported by ibn Majah: 908 and considered good by al-Albani]
«إن هذا يوم عيد جعله الله للمسلمين فمن جاء إلى الجمعة فليغتسل...» رواه بن ماجه وحسنه الألباني
6 – It is a day where sins are expiated. Salman narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Anyone who takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself as much as he can and puts oil (on his hair) or scents himself; and then proceeds for the prayer and does not force his way between two persons (assembled in the mosque for the Friday prayer), and prays as much as is written for him and remains quiet when the imam delivers the sermon, all his sins in between the present and the last Friday will be forgiven.” [Reported by al-Bukhari: 883]
«لا يغتسل رجلٌ يوم الجمعة، ويتطهر ما استطاع من طهرٍ، ويدهن من دهنه، أو يمس من طيب بيته، ثم يخرج فلا يفرق بين اثنين، ثم يصلّي ما كتب له، ثم ينصت إذا تكلم الإمام، إلا غفر له ما بينه وبين الجمعة الأخرى» رواه البخاري
7 – For the walker to the Friday prayer for every step the reward of a year of fasting and performing night prayers. Aws ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Whoever has total ablution on Friday, sets out early, walks and does not take a ride, gets closer to the Imam and listens and does not engage in idle talk, he will be given the reward of a year of fasting and performing night prayers for every step he takes.” [Narrated by Ibn Majah: 898, Abu Dawood: 345 and authenticated by Al-Albani].
«من غَسَّل يوم الجمعة واغتسل، وبكَّر وابتكر، ومشى ولم يركب، ودنا من الإمام فاستمع ولم يلغ كان له بكل خطوة عمل سنّة أجر صيامها وقيامها» رواه ابن ماجه وابو داود وصححه الألباني
Allah is the Greatest. Every step to the Friday prayer equals the reward of a year of fasting and performing night prayers.
Where are the competitors to such gifts? Where are the seekers to such presents? {That is the Grace of Allâh which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.} [Surat Al-Hadîd 57:21]
{ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ} الحديد: 21
Transliteration: thalika fadlu Allahi yuteehi man yashao waAllahu thoo alfadli alAAatheemi (21)
8 – Hellfire is set ablaze every day of the week except for Friday; in honor to this great day. (See: Zad al-Ma'âd (the Provision for the Hereafter): 1/387)
9 – It is a sign of good life ending dying on Friday or dying in its night; where the dead is protected from the affliction of the grave. Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “There is not a Muslim slave who dies on Friday or in its night but that Allah will protect him from the affliction of the grave.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi: 1074 and considered good by al-Albani].
«ما من مسلمٍ يموت يوم الجمعة أو ليلة الجمعة، إلا وقاه الله فتنة القبر» رواه الترمذي وحسنه الألباني
Friday: provisions and ethics
My Muslim brother: every Muslim must honor this day and benefits from its virtues by getting closer to Allah Almighty by all types of the acts of worship and closeness to Him. Friday has provisions and ethics that every Muslim should adopt.
Ibn al-Qayyim said, “it was from the guidance of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, to honor and grace this day by specifying a certain type of worship than other days. The scholars have differed if Friday is better or the day of Arafat.” )Zad al-Ma'âd (the Provision for the Hereafter): 1/375(
So, consider my brother, how many Fridays have passed by you unnoticed, without giving it the least interest. Rather, some people wait for this day to perform all sorts of the acts of disobedience to Allah Glorified and Exalted.
Among the provisions and ethics of Friday
1 – It is preferable that the Imam recites, during the Fajr prayer on Friday, Surat As-Sajdah and Surat Al-Insân in full as was done by the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. The Imam should not confine to reading a part of them as being done by some Imams.
2 – It is preferable that man increases sending prayers and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, on Friday. Aws ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it the shout will be made, so invoke more blessings upon me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me.” [Reported by Abu Dawud: 1047, An-Nasâ'i: 1373, Ibn Majah: 896 and authenticated by Al-Albani]
«إنّ من أفضل أيامكم يوم الجمعة فيه خُلق آدم وفيه قُبض وفيه النّفخة وفيه الصّعقة فأكثروا عليّ من الصّلاة فيه فإنّ صلاتكم معروضة عليّ» رواه أبو داود وابن ماجه والنسائي وصححه الألباني
3 – Friday prayer is obligatory on every adult, free, Muslim male who has a current home. It is not obligatory for the travelling male whose travel requires the shortening of prayers, the female or the slave, however if they attend it they will be rewarded. Friday prayer ceases to be obligatory due to some valid excuses such as diseases (severe, infectious, and the like) and fear (from the enemy, epidemics, and the like). )The Pleasant Explanation: 5/7-24(
4 – Total ablution is from the guidance of Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “If any one of you come to Friday prayer, so let him have total ablution.” [Agreed upon]
«إذا جاء أحدكم إلى الجمعة فليغتسل» متفق عليه
5 – Wearing perfume, using the Miswak (Arak toothbrush) and wearing the best of clothes are among the ethics of the Muslim on Friday. Abu Ayyûb said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, say, “whoever has total ablution on Friday, applies some perfume of his wife's if she has any, puts on his best garments, does not trespass over people sitting in the mosque, and does not engage in idle actions during the Friday sermon; this will be an expiation for the sins committed between the two Fridays.” [Reported by Abu Dawud: 347 and considered good by Al-Albani]
«من اغتسل يوم الجمعة ومس من طيب امرأته إن كان لها ولبس من صالح ثيابه ثم لم يتخط رقاب الناس ولم يلغ عند الموعظة كانت كفارة لما بينهما» رواه أبو داود وحسنه الألباني
Abu Sa'îd Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “total ablution on Friday is obligatory on every adult male, using of miswak and applying some perfume which is available.” [Reported by Muslim: 846]
«غسل يوم الجمعة على كل محتلم. وسواك. ويمس من الطّيب ما قدر عليه» رواه مسلم
6 – It is preferable to go early to Friday prayer; an almost extinct Sunnah, may Allah have mercy on those who try to revive it. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “When it is Friday, the angels stand at every door of the mosque and record the people in the order of their arrival, and when the Imam sits (on the pulpit for delivering the sermon) they fold up their sheets (the manuscripts where they are recording) and listen to the mention (of Allah). And he who comes early is like the one who offers a she-camel as a sacrifice, the next is like the one who offers a cow, the next is like the one who offers a ram, the next is like the one who offers a hen, and the next is like the one who offers an egg.” [Reported by Muslim: 850]
«إذا كان يوم الجمعة كان على كل باب من أبواب المسجد ملائكة يكتبون الأول فالأول. فإذا جلس الإمام طووا الصحف وجاؤوا يستمعون الذّكر. ومثل المهجر الّذي يهدي البدنة. ثم كالّذي يهدي بقرة. ثم كالّذي يهدي الكبش. ثم كالّذي يهدي الدّجاجة. ثم كالّذي يهدي البيضة» رواه مسلم
Attention
O brothers
Where are the competitors in performing righteousness?
Where are the early people going to observe prayers?
Where are those of high intentions and determinations?
7 – It is preferable that the Muslim occupies himself with prayers, mentioning Allah and reciting the Quran until the Imam comes out (to deliver the sermon). The afore-mentioned Hadiths narrated by Salman and Abu Ayyub are evidence for that.
8 – One should listen to the sermon and pay attention to what is said in it. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “If you (even) ask your companion to be quiet on Friday while the Imam is delivering the sermon, you have in fact talked irrelevance.” [Agreed upon]
«إذا قلت لصاحبك يوم الجمعة أنصت، والإمام يخطب، فقد لغوت» متفق عليه
In Sunan Abu Dawud, “whoever indulge in idle actions and trespass over people sitting for prayer, the Friday prayer will be considered a noon prayer for him.” [Reported by Abu Dawud: 347, ibn Khuzaymah: 1810 and considered good by al-Albani]
«ومن لغا وتخطى رقاب النّاس كانت له ظهرًا» رواه أبو داود وابن خزيمة وحسنه الألباني
9 - It is preferable to recite Surat Al-Kahf [the cave] on Friday; Abu Sa'îd Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Whoever recites Surat Al-Kahf on Friday, will have a light that will illuminate for him between the two Fridays.” [Authenticated by al-Albani: 6470, in Sahih Al-Jami' (the Authentic Collection)]
«من قرأ سورة الكهف في يوم الجمعة، أضاء له من النّور ما بين الجمعتين» صححه الألباني في صحيح الجامع
10 – It is not allowed to travel on Friday before performing the Friday prayer when its time is due, for those who are obligated to perform it. (Zad al-Ma'âd (the Provision for the Hereafter): 1/382)
11 – It is undesirable to single out Friday with fasting and its night by performing the night prayers. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “Do not single out the night (preceding) Friday among the nights for prayer and do not single out Friday among days for fasting but only when anyone among you is accustomed to fast (on dates) which coincide with this day (Friday).” [Reported by Muslim: 1144]
«لا تختصّوا ليلة الجمعة بقيام من بين الليالي. ولا تخصّوا يوم الجمعة بصيام من بين الأيام. إلا أن يكون في صوم يصومه أحدكم» رواه مسلم
12 – It is obligatory for those who want to fast on Friday to fast either a day before or after it. Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari: 1985]
«لا يصومنّ أحدكم يوم الجمعة إلا يوما قبله أو بعده» رواه البخاري
13 – As for the Sunnah prayer of the Friday prayer, it was reported that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to pray two rak'ahs after performing the Friday prayer. [Agreed upon]
«كان يصلّي بعد الجمعة ركعتين» متفق عليه
It was also reported that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has ordered those who wanted to pray after performing the Friday prayer to pray four rak'ahs. [Reported by Muslim 881]
«أنّه -صلّى الله عليه وسلم- أمر من كان مصلّيًا بعد الجمعة أن يصلّي أربعاً» رواه مسلم
Is'haq said, “If he prays in the mosque on Friday, he prays four rak'ahs. If he prays at home, he prays two rak'ahs.” Abu Bakr al-Athram said, “All that is allowed.” )The Gardens by ibn Al-Jawzi: 2/183(
14 – If the Muslim enters the mosque while the Imam is delivering the sermon, he should pray two light rak'ahs before sitting. Jabir ibn Abdulla said, “Sulaik Al-Ghatafani came on Friday when the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was delivering the sermon. He (Sulaik) sat down. So the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said, “When any one of you comes on friday, while the Imam delivers the sermon, he should observe two rak'ahs and should make them short.” [Reported by Muslim 875]
«إذا جاء أحدكم، يوم الجمعة، والإمام يخطب، فليركع ركعتين، وليتجوز فيهما» رواه مسلم
15 – It is preferable that the Imam recites either Surat Al-Jum'ah (Friday) and Al-Munâfiqûn (the Hypocrites) or Surat Al-A'lâ (the Most High) and Al-Ghâshiyah (The Overwhelming) in Friday prayer. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to recite them in Friday prayer. [Reported by Muslim 878]
From our errors on Friday
A – The errors of the observers of Friday prayer
1 – Some people quit performing the Friday prayer or that they neglect it. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “People must cease to neglect the Friday prayer or Allah will seal their hearts and then they will be among the negligent.” [Reported by Muslim: 865]
«لينتهين أقوام عن ودعهم الجمعات. أو ليختمن الله على قلوبهم. ثم ليكونن من الغافلين» رواه مسلم
2 – Some people neglect the intention of going to perform the Friday prayer. They go to pray as a habit while the intention is from the conditions of the validity of Friday prayers and other acts of worship; as the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari: 1]
«إنّما الأعمال بالنّيات» رواه البخاري
3 – Staying up late at the night preceeding Friday which leads to sleeping over the fajr prayer. Thus, man starts Friday with a great sin. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “The most favored prayer to Allah is the fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.” [Authenticated by al-Albani: 1566, in the Authentic chain]
«أفضل الصّلوات عند الله صلاة الصبح يوم الجمعة في جماعة» صححه الألباني فى السلسلة الصحيحة
4 – Neglecting attending Friday sermon, some would come in the middle of the sermon and others would come during performing the prayer.
5 – Leaving the total ablution of Friday, wearing perfume, using the miswak (Arak toothbrush) and wearing the best garments.
6 – Buying and selling during Friday prayer while Allah Almighty says, {O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salât (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allâh [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!} [Surat Al-Jum'ah 62:9]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلاةِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ} الجمعة: 9
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo itha noodiya lilssalati min yawmi aljumuAAati faisAAaw ila thikri Allahi watharoo albayAAa thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona (9)
Ibn Abbas, may llah be pleased with him, said, “it is forbidden to sell at this time.”
7 – Worshipping Allah by performing some acts of disobedience on Friday as those who got used to shave their beards each Friday thinking that this completes their cleanliness.
8 – Some people sit at the back of the mosque before the completion of front rows. Others sit in the outer extensions of the mosque though there are a lot of empty places inside.
9 – Making a man stand and sitting in his place. Jabir narrated that the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, “None amongst you should make his brother stand on Friday (during the congregational prayer) and then occupy his-place; but he should only say to him, make room for me.” [Reported by Muslim: 2178]
«لا يُقيمنَّ أحدكم أخاه يوم الجمعة. ثمّ ليخالف إلى مقعده فيقعد فيه. ولكن يقول: افسحوا» رواه مسلم
10 – Trespassing over people and separating between people sitting, hurting people sitting and making the place narrow for them. The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said to a man who trespassed over people on Friday, while he was delivering the sermon, “sit down. You have hurt (your Muslim brothers)” [Reported by Ibn Majah: 923 and authenticated by al-Albani]
«قال النّبيّ -صلّى الله عليه وسلم- لرجلٍ تخطى رقاب النّاس يوم الجمعة وهو يخطب: اجلس فقد آذيت وآنيت» رواه ابن ماجة وصححه الألباني
11 – Raising the voice while talking or reciting the Quran. Thus one would disturb the performers of prayers or those who recite the Quran.
12 – Going out from the mosque after the call for prayer without a valid excuse.
13 – Preoccupying with other than the sermon and not listening to what the Imam is saying.
14 – Praying two rak'ahs between the two sermons. The legitimate thing between them is invoking Allah and asking Him for forgiveness until the Imam stands for the second sermon.
15 – Making a lot of movements during the prayer, being quick in leaving the mosque after the Imam finishes, going through the praying persons and rushing to the doors without saying the legitimate remembrances after the prayer.
B – The errors of the Imams
1 – Lengthening the sermon and shortening the prayer. Ammar said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, say, “The lengthening of prayer by a man and the shortness of the sermon is the sign of his understanding (of faith). So lengthen the prayer and shorten the sermon, for there is charm (in precise) expression.” [Reported by Muslim: 866]
«إن طول صلاة الرّجل، وقصر خطبته، مئنة من فقهه -أي علامة- فأطيلوا الصّلاة واقصروا الخطبة. وإن من البيان سحرًا» رواه مسلم
Considering the needs of people and their conditions is what controls this matter. Jabir ibn Samra reported, “I used to observe prayer with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and his prayer was moderate and his sermon too was moderate.” [Reported by Muslim 866]
«كنت أصلي مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فكانت صلاته قصدا وخطبته قصدا» رواه مسلم
Moderate means, “it was of moderate length; neither long nor short.”
2 – Lack of good preparation for the sermon, the selection of the appropriate topic, and its remoteness of what people need.
3 – The abundance of linguistic mistakes in the sermon for some of the Imams.
4 – Some Imams cite weak and fabricated Hadith, and some contradicted sayings without mentioning it.
5 – Some Imams confine the second sermon to just the invocation, and taking that as a habit.
6 – Some Imams do not cite anything from the Quran during the sermon which is in contradiction to the guidance of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. The daughter of Harithah ibn An-Nu'man said, “I did not memorize {Qâf. [These letters (Qâf, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Glorious Qur’ân,} but from the mouth of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as he used to deliver the sermon along with it on every Friday.” [Reported by Muslim: 873]
«ما حفظت {ق وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ} إلا من فِيّ رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- يخطب بها كل جمعة» رواه مسلم
7 – Some Imams lack the reaction with their sermon. Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “When the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, delivered the sermon, his eyes became red, his voice rose, and his anger increased so that he was like the one giving a warning against the enemy…” [Reported by Muslim: 867]
«كان رسول الله -صلّى الله عليه وسلم- إذا خطب احمرّت عيناه، وعلا صوته، واشتد غضبه كأنه منذر جيش» رواه مسلم
Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Written by/ Khalid Abu Salih
Reviewed by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munjid
With little modification
Dar Al-Watan