In Islam, Friday represents the best day of the week, a day on which the faithful flock to mosques to hear the khotba pronounced by the imam. This blessed day is marked by specific practices recommended by Allah's Messenger ﷺ. These are known as the Friday Sunna.
Friday sunna: taking care of your appearance before going to the mosque
Before going to Friday prayer, the Muslim takes care to purify himself and perfect his appearance. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, encouraged his companions to take a ritual bath. In Arabic, this is known as ghusl. This practice involves specific steps, mentioned in fiqh books in the chapter on purification.
Perfume is also part of the Friday Sunna. It's a matter of taking care of one's appearance before going to the mosque. Perfume was also one of the things that Allah's messenger appreciated most during his lifetime. Muslims are required to wear their best clothes and be clean when attending group prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also advised his companions to go to the mosque early. An early arrival enables the worshipper to get down to reading the Koran. In fact, reading Sura Al Kahf is one of the Friday Sunnahs. According to the Messenger of Allah, whoever recites it on Friday, a light will shine for him between that blessed day and the following Friday.
Multiplying invocations: another Friday sunna
Jumu'a is one of the best times to make invocations. Muslims increase their requests for forgiveness (istighfar) and blessings from Allah. In particular, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ declared that during this day, there is an hour during which Allah grants douas.
This teaching encourages Muslims to multiply their invocations throughout the day. One of the most important causes of the answer is turning sincerely to Allah. In fact, Islam teaches us to seek guidance and repentance on an ongoing basis. The believer can also seek Allah's support in worldly matters.
Other practices on Fridays
Wearing your best clothes for Jumu'a is also part of the Friday Sunnah. Beautiful clothes don't necessarily mean expensive clothes. Indeed, Islam condemns excess and waste. Men may wear a white qamis , in keeping with prophetic tradition. As for women, they can wear an abaya.
The use of siwak is part of the Sunna for Fridays and other days of the week. The Messenger of Allah insisted on the importance of using this natural toothbrush, especially before beginning each prayer.
One cannot speak of the prophetic traditions specific to this blessed day and fail to mention the prayers over the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Muslim must multiply prayers on the best of men. This act of worship is praiseworthy and has an immense reward. Allah mentions it in the Koran, and some imams encourage the faithful to practice it during their sermons.