It was almost noon on a bright Friday afternoon when Hamza rushed through the market streets, hearing the distant call of the adhan. Every shopkeeper paused, every conversation softened, and people naturally walked toward the masjid. Hamza noticed something unusual—there was a warmth in the air, a spiritual pull that made his heart feel calmer.
He remembered his father telling him,
“Jummah is not just a prayer… it is a weekly meeting with Allah.”
This memory made him slow down, take a deep breath, and step into the mosque with a sense of peace.
This moment is the essence of Jummah—a prayer that gathers the Ummah, purifies the heart, and connects you directly with Allah’s mercy.
Today, many Muslims still ask:
- How to pray Jummah(salat al juma)?
- How many rakats in Jummah?
- What do we pray before and after Friday prayer?
- What is Jummah prayer?
- How do ladies pray Jummah at home?
This complete guide answers everything in a simple, authentic, and beginner-friendly way.
What Is Jummah Prayer?
Jummah (salat al juma) is the special Friday congregational prayer that replaces Dhuhr for men. It includes:
- A sermon (Khutbah)
- A congregational prayer (2 Fard rakats)
Is Jummah fard?
Yes, Jummah is fard (obligatory) on adult Muslim men who are able to attend the masjid.
Women may attend but are not required; they pray regular Dhuhr if they don’t attend.
Meaning of Salat al Juma
The word “Jumu’ah” comes from jama’a meaning to gather.
It is the day when:
- The Ummah gathers
- Angels record those who arrive early
- Dua is accepted in a special blessed hour
- Sins between two Fridays are forgiven
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday.”
Why Is Jummah Prayer Important?
Weekly forgiveness
Sins between two Fridays are erased for those who perform Jummah sincerely.
Listening to the Khutbah
It provides guidance, reminders, and spiritual nourishment.
A sign of strong Iman
Attending Jummah reflects a believer’s commitment.
Rewards multiplied
Every step taken toward the masjid brings reward.
How Many Rakats in Jummah? (Complete Breakdown)
One of the most commonly asked questions about Jummah is:
“How many rakats are there in Jummah prayer?”
The simple answer is:
Most Muslims pray a total of 14 rakats on Friday,
which includes Sunnah, Fard, and Nafl rakats before and after the main Jummah prayer.
Here’s the full breakdown explained step by step:
1. Before Jummah – 4 Sunnah Muakkadah
First, it is highly recommended to pray 4 Sunnah Muakkadah rakats before the khutbah.
These rakats are strongly emphasized by scholars, and many consider them to be an integral part of Jummah.
In fact, the Prophet ﷺ consistently prayed these rakats before the khutbah, highlighting their significance.
Thus, performing these rakats is highly encouraged to gain maximum reward.
2. Before Jummah – 2 Sunnah (Recommended)
After completing the 4 Sunnah Muakkadah rakats, many Muslims also choose to pray 2 additional Sunnah rakats.
While these are not compulsory, they are recommended and carry great reward.
They are often prayed for spiritual preparation before the khutbah begins.
Thus, praying them further enhances the spiritual experience of Jummah.
3. During Jummah – 2 Fard Rakats (Main Jummah Prayer)
Now, we come to the core of the Jummah prayer — the 2 Fard rakats.
These are the obligatory rakats that must be prayed with the imam in congregation.
Unlike the Sunnah rakats, these are compulsory and replace the usual 4 rakats of Dhuhr.
When the imam leads the congregation, all attendees must follow him in prayer.
This part of the prayer is where the essential spiritual reward of Jummah is earned.
4. After Jummah – 4 Sunnah Muakkadah
Once the imam has led the Fard prayer, it is Sunnah Muakkadah to pray 4 rakats after the main Jummah prayer.
These rakats are strongly recommended and are a way to complete the Jummah prayer.
Praying them is considered highly beneficial for spiritual growth and reward.
5. After Jummah – 2 Nafl Rakats (Optional but Recommended)
Finally, after the 4 Sunnah Muakkadah rakats, many Muslims choose to pray 2 Nafl rakats.
These are voluntary rakats, but they are recommended as they offer extra spiritual rewards.
Although optional, they help to complete the spiritual cycle of Jummah and bring more blessings to the believer.
How to Pray Jummah Step-by-Step?
1. Arrive early
The angels record names according to arrival time.
Early = more reward.
2. Pray Sunnah Rakats
- First 4 Sunnah
- Then additional 2 Sunnah (optional but recommended)
3. Sit and listen to the Khutbah quietly
- Two sermons are delivered
- No talking, no salam, no distractions
Talking during khutbah invalidates the reward of Jummah.
4. Join the Congregation for 2 Fard Rakats
This is the main Jummah prayer.
How is it prayed?
- Imam leads 2 rakats aloud
- You follow exactly as you follow any congregational prayer
5. Pray the After Sunnahs
- 4 Sunnah Muakkadah
- Optional 2 Nafl
How to Pray Jummah at Home?
- Women:
They pray regular Dhuhr (4 Fard + Sunnahs).
- Men (if genuinely excused):
If traveling, sick, or no mosque exists, pray Dhuhr.
Jummah cannot be prayed alone at home.
How to Perform Jummah Salah?
Here is the simple flow:
- Perform ghusl or wudu
- Reach the masjid early
- Pray Sunnah before Jummah
- Sit and listen to khutbah silently
- Pray 2 rakats Fard in jama’ah
- Pray Sunnah and Nafl after
What to Pray on Jummah (Extra Sunnah Acts)
- Surah Al-Kahf
- Send Salawat abundantly
- Make dua in the special hour
- Recite Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Al-A’la, Al-Ghashiyah (Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ)
Conclusion
Jummah is not just a weekly prayer—it is a spiritual reset, a chance to reconnect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen your Iman. Knowing how to pray Jummah, how many rakats it has, and what Sunnahs surround it helps you perform it correctly and gain the full reward.
Just like Hamza in our opening story, every believer feels a unique peace on Friday — a reminder that Allah has chosen this day as a gift for the Ummah.
FAQs About Jummah Prayer
How many rakats are in Jummah prayer (Salat al Juma)?
The Fard prayer is 2 rakats.
With Sunnahs, the total commonly prayed is 14 rakats.
Do women have to pray Jummah?
No. Women pray regular Dhuhr unless they attend the masjid.
How many khutbahs are in Jummah?
There are 2 khutbahs separated by a short sitting.
Can Jummah be prayed at home?
Men cannot pray Jummah at home alone.
They pray Dhuhr if excused.
What is the difference between Dhuhr and Jummah?
Jummah replaces Dhuhr for men and is prayed 2 rakats in congregation.
What to pray after Jummah?
4 Sunnah + optional 2 Nafl.
How to pray Jummah for beginners?
Reach the mosque early → pray Sunnah → listen to khutbah → pray 2 Fard with imam → pray Sunnah.
