Explore Surah 62: Al-Jumuah (The Friday Congregation) with English translation and comments. Learn about the importance of Friday prayer, knowledge, and remembrance of Allah.
Surah 62: Al-Jumuah (The Friday Congregation)
Introduction
Surah Al-Jumuah is a Madinan surah of 11 verses. It takes its name from the mention of Al-Jumu’ah (Friday) in verse 9, which refers to the special congregational prayer held weekly for Muslims. The surah addresses themes of divine praise, the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) among the unlettered Arabs, and the responsibility of carrying God’s guidance sincerely. It also draws a vivid comparison between those who were given previous scriptures but failed to act upon them, and a donkey carrying books, stressing that knowledge without practice is meaningless. Towards the end, the surah emphasizes the importance of the Friday prayer, urging believers to leave worldly trade and distractions when the call to prayer is made, and to resume worldly pursuits only after it is over. 0 0 0
Surah 62: Al-Jumuah (The Friday Congregation): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah—the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise.
2. He is the One who has sent among the unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom—though before this they had been in clear misguidance.
3. And (He has sent him) to others among them who have not yet joined them. And He is the Almighty, the All-Wise.
4. That is the grace of Allah—He grants it to whomever He wills. And Allah is the Possessor of immense grace.
5. The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then failed to uphold it is like that of a donkey carrying books. Miserable is the example of people who deny the verses of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
6. Say, “O you who are Jews! If you claim that you alone are the friends of Allah, to the exclusion of all other people, then wish for death—if you are truthful.”
7. But they will never wish for it, because of what their hands have sent ahead. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.
8. Say, “Indeed, the death from which you flee will surely meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you about what you used to do.”
9. O you who believe! When the call is made for prayer on the day of Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you—if only you knew.
10. And when the prayer is concluded, disperse through the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often so that you may succeed.
11. But when they see some trade or amusement, they rush to it and leave you standing. Say, “What is with Allah is better than amusement and trade, and Allah is the Best of providers.” 0 0 0
Al-Jumuah: Comment
Surah Al-Jumuah powerfully reminds believers of the central role of guidance and community worship in their lives. The opening verses highlight that all creation glorifies Allah, establishing a tone of humility before the Creator. The surah draws attention to the blessing of having a Messenger who teaches, purifies, and guides—especially significant for a people who were previously without revelation. The comparison of negligent scholars to a donkey carrying books serves as a timeless warning: religion is not merely to be learned but to be lived. The command to attend the Friday prayer above all worldly engagements underlines the priority of spiritual obligations over material gain. The closing verse reassures believers that what is with Allah is far superior to temporary pleasures, urging them to keep their hearts anchored in the eternal rather than the fleeting. 0 0 0
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10 FAQs on Surah Al-Jumu’ah
Q: What is Surah Al-Jumu’ah about?
A: Surah Al-Jumu’ah emphasizes the importance of the Friday congregation prayer, the blessings of knowledge, and the responsibility of believers to live by what they learn.
Q: Why is Surah Al-Jumu’ah called “The Friday Congregation”?
A: The Surah is named after the command to attend the Friday prayer, leaving trade and worldly affairs to gather for remembrance of Allah, which is more beneficial than material gain.
Q: How many verses are in Surah Al-Jumu’ah and where was it revealed?
A: Surah Al-Jumu’ah has 11 verses and was revealed in Madinah. It focuses on guidance for the Muslim community in spiritual and social matters.
Q: What does Surah Al-Jumu’ah say about the role of Prophet Muhammad?
A: The Prophet is described as one who recites Allah’s verses, purifies people, teaches them the Book and wisdom, and spreads guidance to those who were previously misguided.
Q: How does Surah Al-Jumu’ah describe the responsibility of knowledge?
A: The Surah Al Jumuah criticizes those who received scripture but did not act upon it, comparing them to a donkey carrying books. This warns Muslims that knowledge must be followed with practice.
Q: What command does Surah Al-Jumu’ah give about Friday prayer?
A: Believers are commanded to leave trade and worldly distractions when the call for Friday prayer is given and to gather for Allah’s remembrance.
Q: What balance between worship and work does Surah Al-Jumu’ah teach?
A: The Surah Al Jumuah encourages worship during prayer time but permits returning to trade afterward, teaching Muslims to balance worldly life with spiritual duties.
Q: What warning does Surah Al-Jumuah give about materialism?
A: The Surah Al Jumuah warns against being distracted by trade and wealth during Friday prayer, reminding believers that Allah’s reward is greater than worldly profit.
Q: How does Surah Al-Jumu’ah address previous communities?
A: It reminds the Muslims of how earlier communities failed to uphold their scriptures, urging them not to repeat the same mistake.
Q: How can Surah Al-Jumu’ah be applied in daily life today?
A: The Surah Al Jumuah teaches Muslims to prioritize faith over material gain, value knowledge with action, and keep Friday prayer as a central part of their spiritual life. 0 0 0
