Friday Prayer (Salat al-Jumua)
Jumu'ah replaces Dhuhr on Fridays — the congregational prayer at the masjid
Friday prayer (Jumu'ah, Salat al-Jumua) is an obligation upon Muslim men in congregation. It replaces the daily Dhuhr prayer and is offered at the masjid in a window that begins at Dhuhr time and closes at Asr time. The exact start time depends on each masjid's khutbah schedule.
What is Salat al-Jumua?
Salat al-Jumua is the congregational prayer that Muslims gather for every Friday. It consists of two rak'ahs prayed in congregation behind the imam, preceded by a khutbah (sermon) delivered in two parts. It replaces the four-rak'ah Dhuhr prayer for those attending.
Allah commands the believers in Surah al-Jumu'ah: "O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business — that is better for you, if you only knew." (62:9)
The Jumu'ah window
Jumu'ah may be prayed any time after the sun has crossed its zenith (Dhuhr) and before Asr begins. Most masjids hold the khutbah and prayer shortly after Dhuhr. Check with your local masjid for the exact start time.
The Friday Khutbah
The khutbah (sermon) is delivered by the imam in two parts before the prayer. It is a pillar of Jumu'ah — listening attentively to the khutbah is part of the prayer itself. Idle conversation, even hushing someone, is discouraged once the khutbah has begun.
Etiquette of Friday
The Prophet ﷺ taught a number of recommended practices for Friday. Observing them brings barakah and prepares the worshipper for the gathering.
Ghusl and clean clothing
Perform a full bath (ghusl) before Jumu'ah, wear clean — preferably white — garments, and apply perfume.
Arrive early
The earlier you arrive at the masjid, the greater the reward. The Prophet ﷺ described the reward of those coming in the first hour, second hour, and so on.
Listen attentively to the khutbah
Once the imam begins, refrain from speaking, eating, or playing with anything. Listening is a condition for the validity of Jumu'ah.
Pray sunnah and tahiyyat al-masjid
On entering the masjid, pray two short rak'ahs of greeting (tahiyyat al-masjid) before sitting, even while the imam is on the minbar.
Pray in congregation
Jumu'ah is only valid in congregation. Two rak'ahs are prayed aloud behind the imam after the khutbah.
Send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ
Friday is a special day for sending salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet said his salawat is presented to him on Fridays.
Surah al-Kahf
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged reciting Surah al-Kahf on Fridays. "Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf on Friday, light will shine for him from one Friday to the next." (Sahih al-Targhib) Many Muslims read it on Thursday night or any time during Friday.
Why Friday prayer time depends on your city
The Jumu'ah window opens at Dhuhr and closes at Asr — both calculated from the sun's position relative to your city's latitude and longitude. Each masjid then schedules its khutbah inside this window. To know your local Jumu'ah time, see the prayer times page for your city.
Friday prayer times by city
Each masjid sets its own start time inside the Dhuhr–Asr window. Find your city below to see today's Dhuhr and Asr times.
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Doha, Qatar
- Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Manama, Bahrain
- Muscat, Oman
- Cairo, Egypt
- Amman, Jordan
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Damascus, Syria
- Baghdad, Iraq
- Jerusalem, Palestine
- Sana'a, Yemen
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Algiers, Algeria
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Tripoli, Libya
- Khartoum, Sudan
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Tehran, Iran
- Karachi, Pakistan
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- London, United Kingdom
- New York, United States
- Toronto, Canada
- Berlin, Germany
- Paris, France
- Sydney, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Friday prayer (Jumu'ah)?
Jumu'ah is prayed in the window that opens at Dhuhr (when the sun crosses its zenith) and closes when Asr begins. Most mosques hold the khutbah and prayer shortly after Dhuhr. Check your local masjid for the exact start time — Qabasi shows the Dhuhr and Asr times that bracket this window for your city.
How many rak'ahs is Friday prayer?
Salat al-Jumu'ah is two rak'ahs prayed aloud in congregation behind the imam, preceded by a khutbah (sermon) delivered in two parts. Together, the two khutbahs and two rak'ahs replace the four-rak'ah Dhuhr prayer for those who attend.
Is Friday prayer obligatory on women?
Friday prayer in congregation is obligatory on adult, sane, resident Muslim men who are able to attend. Women, travelers, the sick, and children are not obligated to attend, though women who do attend should not be prevented. Women who do not attend Jumu'ah pray Dhuhr (four rak'ahs) at its time.