The Qur’an gives us specific directions regarding the Jummah prayer.

Mecca, at the time of the Prophet, was primarily a trade center with many merchants. Business and transactions were commonplace.

This explains why in Surah Al-Jumu’ah it says,

“But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, “What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.”

The people were easily distracted by business and their careers. When they saw an opportunity to make money there attention was diverted.

This is just human nature, and not much has changed since then.

People give more weight to short-term decisions than things which take a long time to come into fruition. So naturally, people may choose their career or their education before they choose Allah. The gain is immediate whereas nurturing your relationship with Allah is long-term.

Would preface this by saying there is nothing wrong with wanting to learn or trying to get good grades in school. Some of us are struggling to provide for our family. But we must not forget our first priority should be to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

If something was truly the number one priority it would be met. It’s amazing, human beings are creative and intelligent creatures that will carve out a solution for something that is utmost of importance to them. They always find a way.

For some this may mean clocking in overtime at the job so the employer who doesn’t understand sees how important your conviction to Islam and not missing Jummah is. It means studying extra hard or staying in remedial sessions after school for missing a period of class.

importance of not missing Jummah quote

Allah tells us once we hear the adhan we must come to prayer and that… “when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed.” (62:10)

 

Hadith on Missing Three consecutive Jummah

It was narrated from Abu Al-Ja’d Ad-Damri-who was a Companion of the Prophet (ﷺ)- that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever missed three jumu’ahs out of negligence, Allah (SWT) will place a seal over his heart.”

Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)

It is obligatory for male Muslims who are sane to go for Friday prayer. For women, Jummah is not mandatory but they are allowed to go to the masjid. For those traveling, friday prayer is not obligatory.

If there is no valid excuse for missing Jummah salat for those who it is obligatory then this is considered a sin.

There are great blessings of Jummah and there’s no benefit to those who intentionally abandon it. However, it is understandable there will be some unforeseen circumstance where one cannot perform Juma, in these instance you should pray four Rakats for Zuhr.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) talked about Friday and said, “There is an hour (opportune time) on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while praying and asks something from Allah, then Allah will definitely meet his demand.” And he (the Prophet) pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands. Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 935