The Sanctified Hour of Jumu’ah.

The Sanctified Hour of Jumu`ah.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-'ālamīn. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.

What is the ruling on interrupting the Khatib giving the Khutbah on Friday?

Firstly: Prohibition to talk during Khutbah.

 1- Talking during the khutbah when the khātib is speaking on the minbar is haram and the one who does that is committing a sin, even if he speaks words of Dzikir (remembrance of Allāh) at that time.

Jumu’ah should be a time of sitting still and keeping quiet and the worshipper should be humble in body and soul and listen to the exhortation and knowledge which the general Muslim public needs to hear. It is not permissible to speak even if it is to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. Even though this (enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil) is one of the most important duties of the Muslim, it is not allowed at this time (during the khutbah) and one cannot even say “Shush!” or “Listen!” The evidence (dalil) for that is as follows:

It was reported from Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:“If you say to your companion ‘Listen!’ whilst the imam is preaching on Friday, you are considered to have indulged in laghaw (idle talk).” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 892; Muslim, 851).]

If you say to a person, “Listen!” – Which is enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil – this is counted as laghaw (idle talk) which is forbidden at the time of Jumu‘ah.

It was reported that Abu Darda’ (radiyallāhu‘anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sat on the minbar and addressed the people, and recited an ayah. Ubayy ibn Ka’ab (radiyallāhu‘anhu) was beside me and I said to him, ‘O Ubayy, when was this ayah revealed?’ He refused to answer me. I asked him again and he ignored me, and I asked him again and he still ignored me, refusing to speak to me until the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had leaved the minbar. Then Ubayy said to me, ‘All you got from your Jumu’ah was speaking idle talk (laghaw).’ When the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left, I went to him and told him what had happened. He said, ‘Ubayy spoke the truth. If you hear your imam speaking, then listen to him until he finishes.’”

[Narrated by Ibn Majah, 1111; Ahmad, 20780. Classified as sahih by al-Busairi and by Shaikh al-Albāni in Tamam Al-Minnah, p. 338).]

2- An act of mere asking about an ayat during the Jumu’ah could annul the reward of Jumu’ah, more so who speak about their business or crops or other worldly matters. Another kind of negligence on some people falls asleep during the khutbah.

3 - Even saying “Yarhamuk Allāh” (may Allāh have mercy on you) to someone who sneezes, or returning salāms during the time of Jumu’ah is not permissible.

Al-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) says in al-Majmu’: The sahih texts forbid saying “Yarhamuk Allāh” to someone who sneezes and returning salāms. [Tamam al-Minnah, p. 335].

4 - The same applies to all Adhkār (dzikir) such as istighfar (seeking forgiveness) or tasbih (saying Subhānallāh) etc. It is not permissible to say them out loud even though this is dzikir. The khutbah is a kind of dzikir or remembrance of Allāh, because Allāh says:

“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salāt (prayer) on the day of Friday (Jumu’ah prayers), come to the remembrance of Allāh…” [Al-Jumu‘ah 62:9]

This includes the khutbah and the prayer; both of them are remembrance of Allāh (dzikir). Other kinds of dzikir such as tasbih etc., are Sunnah and may be done at all other times; the khutbah and listening to it, on the other hand, form an obligatory (wajib) form of dzikir which is prescribed for a short and specific time, during which focusing on the khutbah takes precedence over focusing on any other kind of good deed or worship.

5 - Similarly, the saying “Amēn” to the imām’s duā’ and sending blessings on the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) if he is mentioned during the khutbah, should be done silently by the members of the congregation, not out loud.

Secondly: Time frame of the prohibition talking and making dzikir.

The prohibition on talking and making dzikir applies whilst the Khatib is actually speaking on the minbar. If he is on the minbar but he is not speaking, then there is no prohibition on speaking and remembering Allāh (observing dzikir), because it says in the hadith quoted above, “…whilst the imām is preaching…”

So the prohibition on speaking is thus confined to the time when the imām is actually giving the khutbah.

Thirdly: Permissible situation to speak or move whilst the khātib.

The Occasions when it is permitted to speak or move whilst the khātib is speaking from the minbar:

1 - If a person is faced with some need which he cannot put off dealing with, such as drowsiness, the need to relieve himself, or pain which means he has to move. The evidence (dalil) for that is the hadith: “If any one of you becomes sleepy in the mosque on the day of Jumu’ah, let him move from where he is to another spot.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud, 1119; al-Tarmidzi, 526. Classified as sahih by Shaikh al-Albāni in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 468).]

Al-Baihaqi added the phrase “and whilst the imām is giving the khutbah”. This was also classed as sahih by al-Albāni.

2 - It is permissible to do things which are permitted even during the prayer, such as guiding a blind person so that he does not fall; or paying attention to the necessities of life in matters which may lead to death or may affect the common good – such as the worshippers asking the imām to pray for rain for them.

It was reported that Anas ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu‘anhu) said: a man entered the mosque on the day of Jumu‘ah from the direction of the courtyard whilst the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was standing and giving the khutbah. He turned to the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allāh, our wealth (livestock) has been destroyed and our means of transportation (camels) has been cut off; pray to Allāh to help us.” So the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) raised his hands… [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 967; Muslim, 897).]

3 - It is permissible for a member of the congregation to correct the imam if he makes a mistake in an ayat, or to prompt him if necessary, whilst he is standing on the minbar. It is also permissible to refute the khātib if he says something that amounts to syirik, bid‘ah (innovation) or munkar (reprehensible error) during the khutbah, so long as that will not lead to a greater evil or fitnah happening in the mosque. If that is the case, then one should wait until after the khutbah and then speak to the imam, pointing out what is wrong. If the imam speaks words of falsehood, it is not obligatory to listen to him. It was reported that some of the Salaf used to speak when the oppressor al-Hajjaj was cursing ‘Ali (may Allāh be pleased with him) on the minbar; they said, “We were not commanded to listen to this!”

4 - It is permissible to pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (two raka’ahs “Greeting the Mosque”); indeed, this is obligatory, even if the khatib is on the minbar giving the khutbah.

The hadith of Jabir ibn ‘Abdullāh (radiyallāhu‘anhu) who said: a man came whilst the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was addressing the people on the day of Jumu’ah. He said, “Have you prayed, O So and so?” He said, “No.” he said, “Stand up and pray two raka’ahs.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 888; Muslim, 875).]

If a person sees another person talking, it is not permissible to tell him to be quiet by speaking to him, as stated above, but one can indicate to him to be quiet by making a gesture, such as placing one's finger on one’s lips.

And Allāh knows best.

[Via Islam Q&A]

See: The Etiquette at the Masjid

See: Solāh Tahiyyatul Masjid
See: Disturbing others in Masiid is an evil deed.

See: The Etiquette for Solah al-Jumuah

See: The Sanctified Hour of Jumu‘ah

See: The Virtues of Friday

Prohibition of Stepping over Others sitting in the Mosque.

Stepping over Others sitting in the Masjid

By Ibn `Uthaymeen

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-'ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

`Abdullah Ibn Busar (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: A man came and started stepping over the people one Friday when the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was delivering the khutbah, and the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said to him: “Sit down, for you have annoyed (people).” [Abu Dawud (1118) and Ibn Majah (1115); Classified as sahih by al-Albāni in Sahih Abi Dawud.]

In this hadith there is a prohibition on stepping over people when coming to Solāh al-Jumu`ah (Friday Prayer).

There are to views held by the scholars concerning the matter of Stepping over Others sitting in the Masjid. One is makruh and the other is harām.

1 – The first view it is Makruh.

Ibn Hajar Al-`Asqalani (rahimahullāh) said: “The majority is of the view that it is makruh in the sense that it is better not to do it. This is the well-known view of the Shafi`ies and is the view of the Hanbalis.” [See: Fathul-Bāri, 2/392; Kashshaf al-Qina’, 2/44; al-Majmu’, 4/466]

Imām Mālik held it is makruh stepping over others sitting in the Masjid when the Khatib is on the minbar. Imām Mālik: “It is makruh to step over people when the imām has come out and has sat on the minbar. Whoever steps over people then is the one of whom the hadith speaks. But before that there is nothing wrong with it if there is a gap in front of him, but he should be polite in doing it.” [`Al-Mudawwanah (1/159)]

2 – The second view it is harām of stepping over others in all cases, whether on Fridays and at other times.

The hadith of `Abdullah Ibn Busar (radiyallāhu`anhu) in which he reported, who said:

“A man came and started stepping over the people one Friday when the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was delivering the khutbah, and the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said to him: “Sit down, for you have annoyed (people)”.”

[Narrated by Abu Dawud, 1118; Ibn Mājah, 1115; classified as sahih by Al-Albāni in Sahih Abu Dawud.]

At-Tirmidzi (rahimahullāh) said: “This is what is to be followed according to the scholars. They regarded it as makruh for a man to step over people on Friday, and they were very strict with regard to that. “

A number of scholars regarded as more likely to be correct, such as Ibn Al-Mundhir, Ibn `Abd Al-Barr, Al-Nawawi, and Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimiyyah, as stated in ‘Al-Ikhtiyarat Al-Fiqhiyyah, p. 81’, and others. Among contemporary scholars who held this view is Shaikh Ibn `Uthaymeen.

Ibn Al-Mundhir (rahimahullāh) said, explaining the reason why he said it is harām: “It is because causing annoyance is harām, whether it is a little or a lot, and this is causing annoyance, as it says in the sahih hadith in which the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) said to one whom he saw stepping over people: ‘Sit down, for you are causing annoyance’.” [Al-Majmu’, 4/467.]

Ibn `Abd Al-Barr (rahimahullāh) said: “The words of the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) to the one who was stepping over people on a Friday, “You are causing annoyance,” indicate that stepping over people is an annoyance, and it is not permissible to annoy a Muslim under any circumstances, on Friday or at any other time.” [Al-Tamhid (1/316)]

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said: “The favoured view is that stepping over people is harām, because of the hadith on this issue.” [Rawdat al-Talibin (11/224)]

Shaikh Ibn `Uthaymeen said: “Stepping over people is harām during the khutbah and at other times, because the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said to a man whom he saw stepping over people: “Sit down, for you are causing annoyance.” That is even more forbidden if it happens during the khutbah, because it is causing annoyance to people and distracting them from listening to the khutbah, even if he is moving towards a gap.” [Fatawa wa Rasā`il al-Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, (16/147)]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Via Islam Q&A]

See: The Etiquette at the Masjid

See: Solāh Tahiyyatul Masjid
See: Disturbing others in the Masjid is an evil deed 

See: Prohibition of Stepping Over Others Sitting in The Masjid

See: The Etiquette for Solāh al-Jumu`ah

See: The Sanctified Hour of Jumu`ah

See: The Virtues of Friday

The Virtues of Friday

The Virtues of Friday

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-'ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger.

It should be noted that the entire life of a Muslim is worship of Allāh; there is no special day for worship, for the Muslim is worshipping Allāh all the time. But there is a day which Allāh has made special for this ummah (nation), the nation of Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), and which Allāh has favoured above all the other days of the week. That day is Friday.

There are a number of hadiths which speak of the virtue of the day, including the following:

1- Friday is special day for the Muslims.

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “We (Muslims) are the last (of the nations) but (we will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection, although the former nations were given their scriptures before us and we were given our after them. And this (Friday) is the day concerning which they disputed. So Allāh guided us (to it), tomorrow (i.e., Saturday) is for the Jews and the day after (i.e., Sunday) is for the Christians.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Al-Jumu’ah, 847].

2 - Adam (‘alaihissalām) was created on Friday.

It was also narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On this day Adam was created, on this day he entered Paradise and on this day he was expelled from it.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, al-Jumu’ah, 1410]

3 - On Friday Allāh announced to Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) that Islam is perfected.

It was narrated that Tariq ibn Shihab (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “A Jewish man said to ‘Umar, ‘O Commander of the faithful, if this ayah – ‘This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion’ [al-Ma'idah 5:3] – had been revealed to us, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu`anhu) said, “I know on which day this ayat was revealed; it was revealed on the Day of ‘Arafah, which was a Friday.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Al-I’tisam bi’l-Kitab wa’l-Sunnah, 6726].

4 - Reward of an Expiation of the Sins.

Among the hadith which explain the reward for this day is that which was narrated by Abu Hurairah, (radiyallāhu`anhu) which says that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)  said: “Each of the five daily prayers and from one Jumu’ah prayer to the next is an expiation for the time in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” [Al-Taharah, 342].

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu‘anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: ‘When Friday comes, at each door of the mosque there are angels who write down the first ones to come to the mosque. Then when the imām sits down they close their books and come to listen to the sermon. The one who comes early (for Friday prayer) is like who sacrificed a camel, then those who come after him (in order of their coming) are like one who sacrificed a cow, then one who sacrificed a horned ram, then one who sacrificed a chicken, then like one who offered an egg.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, al-Jumu‘ah, 1416].

5 -  The Day to send Many Salawāts to the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam).

It was also narrated in a hadith that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “One of the best of your days is Friday. On it Adam (‘alaihissalām) was created and on it he died. On it the Trumpet will be blown and on it all creatures will perish (prior to the Resurrection on the Last Day). So send many blessings upon me on that day, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “How will our blessings be shown to you when your body will have become dust?” He said, “Allāh has forbidden the earth to consume our [Prophets’] bodies.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Nasā’ie; classed as sahih by al-Albāni in Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarheb, no. 695].

Abū Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  said: “He who sends prayers upon me on Friday eighty times, Allāh will forgive eighty years of sin”. [Ibn Nu’mān: hasan (good)]

Abū Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that the Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings on me on Friday, for surely it is presented to me”. [Bukhārī and At-Tabarānī recorded it and also Ash-Syāfi’īe in his Musnad.]

Another version from Anās Ibn Malik (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings upon me on Friday and the night of Friday. Whoever invokes a single blessing on me, Allāh will bless him ten times”. [Reported by al-Hāfidz As-Suyūtī in his al-Saghīr].

Abū ad-Dardā (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings upon me on Friday, it is witnessed by the Angels” [Ibn Mājah in which al-Haythamī in his Zawā’id said Sahih.]

Imām Ahmad recorded that Abu Talhah al-Ansārī (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) arose one morning in a very pleasant mood with signs of good tidings apparent on his face. They said, "O Messenger of Allāh, we see that you look happy.'' He said, (The angel came to me and told me, "O Muhammad, would it not please you if your Lord, may He be glorified, says: “No member of your Ummah sends Salāh upon you but I send Salāh upon him tenfold, and no member of your Ummah sends greetings of Salām upon you but I send greetings of Salam upon him tenfold”' I said, "Of course.'') This was also recorded by An-Nasā’ie Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd bin Hamīd and at-Tirmidzi; Cited with slightly different wording in Imām Abu Sulayman al-Jazuli's Dala'il al-Khayrat (The Index of Good Things)

‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ūd (radiyallāhu‘anhu) said that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The closest to me on the Day of Judgment are those who pray (i.e made salawāt) upon me more.”[Ahmad, Tirmidzī and Ibn Hibbān said hasan]

Anas ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “There are three under the shade of Allāh on a day when there is no shade except His; the one who relieved a distress from someone from my nation; the one who gave life to my Sunnah and the one who invoked blessings on me (Salawāt) the most”. [Recorded in the Mustadrak and the Musnad of al-Firdaus; Al-Hāfiz as-Suyūtī also recorded it in his Burūj al-Hilāl.]

6 - Great reward of Going early to Jumu‘ah.

It was narrated in a hadith that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever makes his wife do ghusul and does ghusul himself [i.e., has intercourse] on Friday and goes out early, walking not riding, and comes close to the imam and listens [to the sermon] without interrupting, will have for each step he takes a reward equal to that of fasting and praying at night for one year.”

[Narrated by Ahmad and al-Tirmidzi; classed as sahih by al-Albāni in Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarheb, no. 687]

7- Friday is A Blessing Day.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) mentioned Friday and said: “On this day there is an hour when no Muslim slave stands and prays and asks Allāh for something, but Allāh will give it to him,” and he gestured with his hand to indicate that whatever he asks for, is as nothing to Allāh. [Narrated by al-Bukhari, al-Jumu’ah, 883]

It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Seek the hour in which there is hope that prayers will be answered, on Friday after ‘Asar (mid-afternoon) prayer, until the sun set.” [Narrated by al-Tirmidzi; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarheb, no. 700].

8 - Benefits of Walking and display excellent Akhlaq at Juma‘ah.

If a person walks to Jumu‘ah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyam for one year.

Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)  said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyam for one year.” [Narrated by al-Tirmidzi, 496; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidzi, 410]

Al-Hafiz ibn Hajar Asqalani (rahimahumullah) said, after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Solāh al-Jumu’ah :

“...when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one's best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, performing nawafil solah, listening attentively and avoiding idle talks.”

And Allāh Almighty knows best.

[Adapted from the Fatawas of Al- Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, published in Islam Q&A]


Addendum

Virtues of Friday

What is the merit of Friday over other days?

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

Friday has many distinguishing features and virtues that Allāh has bestowed upon this day and not others. 

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah and Hudhayfah (radiyallāhu’anhum) said:

The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "Allāh led those who came before us away from Friday. The Jews had Saturday, and the Christians had Sunday. Then Allāh brought us and Allāh guided us to Friday. So there is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and thus they will follow us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world but we will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, and we will be dealt with before all others." 

[Narrated by Muslim, 856] 

Al-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said: 

Al-Qādi 'Iyād (rahimahullāh) said: The apparent meaning is that it was obligatory for them to venerate Friday but this was not stated clearly; the matter was left to their own reasoning… But they did not manage to work it out and Allāh did not guide them to it. It was enjoined clearly upon this ummah, and was not left to their own reasoning, thus they were blessed with it … It was narrated that Prophet Mūsa (‘alayhis salam) enjoined Friday upon them and told them of its virtues, but they disputed with him and argued that Saturday was better, and it was said to him, 'Let them be.' Al-Qādi (rahimahullāh) said: if there had been a clear command, their arguing with him would not have been valid, rather it would have been said to him that they were going against the command. I say: it may be that that was clearly enjoined upon them but they disputed as to whether it was something they had to adhere to or they could change it to another day; they decided to change it to another day and they erred greatly thereby. 

It comes as no surprise that Friday was specifically enjoined upon them and they went against that. 

Al-Hāfiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (rahimahullāh) said: How can it be otherwise when they are the ones who said "We hear and we disobey"? 

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (‘alayhis salam) was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me." They said, "O Messenger of Allāh, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?" He said, "Allāh has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be upon them." 

[Narrated by Abu Dawūd, 1047; classed as sahīh by Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullāh) in his comments on Sunan Abi Dawūd, 4/273;]. 

Abū Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  said: “He who sends prayers upon me on Friday eighty times, Allāh will forgive eighty years of sin”. [Ibn Nu’mān: hasan (good)]

Abū Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that the Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings on me on Friday, for surely it is presented to me”. [Bukhārī and At-Tabarānī recorded it and also Ash-Shāfi’īe in his Musnad.]

Another version from Anās Ibn Malik (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings upon me on Friday and the night of Friday. Whoever invokes a single blessing on me, Allāh will bless him ten times”. [Reported by al-Hāfidz As-Suyūtī in his al-Saghīr].

Abū ad-Dardā (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Increase invoking blessings upon me on Friday, it is witnessed by the Angels” [Ibn Mājah in which al-Haythamī in his Zawā’id said Sahih.]

Imām Ahmad recorded that Abu Talhah al-Ansārī (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) arose one morning in a very pleasant mood with signs of good tidings apparent on his face. They said, "O Messenger of Allāh, we see that you look happy.'' He said, (The angel came to me and told me, "O Muhammad, would it not please you if your Lord, may He be glorified, says: “No member of your Ummah sends Salāh upon you but I send Salāh upon him tenfold, and no member of your Ummah sends greetings of Salām upon you but I send greetings of Salam upon him tenfold”' I said, "Of course.'') This was also recorded by An-Nasā’ie Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd bin Hamīd and at-Tirmidzi; Cited with slightly different wording in Imām Abu Sulayman al-Jazuli's Dala'il al-Khayrat (The Index of Good Things)

‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ūd (radiyallāhu‘anhu) said that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The closest to me on the Day of Judgment are those who pray (i.e made salawāt) upon me more.”[Ahmad, Tirmidzī and Ibn Hibbān said hasan]

Anas ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “There are three under the shade of Allāh on a day when there is no shade except His; the one who relieved a distress from someone from my nation; the one who gave life to my Sunnah and the one who invoked blessings on me (Salawāt) the most”. [Recorded in the Mustadrak and the Musnad of al-Firdaus; Al-Hāfiz as-Suyūtī also recorded it in his Burūj al-Hilāl.]

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it Adam (‘alayhis salam) was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise and on it he was expelled therefrom." 

[Narrated by Muslim, 1410]

This hadīth includes some of the reasons why Friday is regarded as special.  

Al-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said: 

Al-Qaadi 'Iyād (rahimahullāh) said: The apparent meaning is that these virtues do not mean that Friday is regarded as special because Adam (‘alayhis salam) was expelled on a Friday and the Hour will begin on a Friday. Rather it is meant to explain what momentous events took place and will take place on this day, so that people will make the most of this day to do righteous deeds, so as to attain the mercy of Allāh and ward off His punishment.  This is the view of Al-Qādi. Abu Bakr Ibn Al-'Arabi (rahimahullāh) said in his book Al-Ahwadhi fi Sharh al-Tirmidzi: All of these events are good and add to the virtue of Friday. The expulsion of Adam (‘alayhis salam) from Paradise is the reason why his offspring and the Messengers, the Prophets, the righteous and the awliya' exist. He was not expelled from it as such, but rather it was for a purpose, then he will return to it. With regard to the Hour beginning on a Friday, the reason is so that the reward may be hastened for the Prophets, believers in truth, awliya' and others, and their honour and high status may be made manifest. This hadīth points to the virtues of Friday and its high status in relation to the other days. 

It was narrated that Abu Lubābah Ibn 'Abd Al-Mundhir (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported, who said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

"Friday is the master of days and the greatest of them before Allāh. It is greater before Allāh than the day of Al-Adha and the day of Al-Fitr. It has five characteristics: on this day Allāh created Adam, on it He sent Adam down to the earth, on this day Allāh caused Adam to die, on it there is a time when a person does not ask Allāh for anything but He gives it to him, so long as he does not ask for anything harām, and on it the Hour will begin. There is no angel who is close to Allāh, no heaven, no earth, no wind, no mountain and no sea that does not fear Friday." 

[Narrated by Ibn Mājah, 1084; classed as hasan]

Al-Sanadi (rahimahullāh) said:

"They fear Friday" means they fear the onset of the Hour. This indicates that all created beings are aware of the days and they know that the Day of Resurrection will come on a Friday. 

The virtues of this day include the following: 

1 - On it is Solāh al-Jumu'ah (Friday prayer), which is the best of prayer. 

Allāh says (interpretation of the meaning): 

"O you who believe (the Muslims) ! When the call is proclaimed for the Solāh (prayer) on Friday (Solah Jumu'ah), come to the remembrance of Allāh [Jumu'ah sermon (Khutbah) and Solāh] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!"

[Al-Jumu'ah 62:9] 

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

"The five daily prayers and from one Jumu'ah to the next is an expiation for whatever sins come in between them, so long as one does not commit a major sin." [Muslim (233)]

2 - Praying Fajr in congregation on Fridays is the best prayer that the Muslim can pray during the week. 

It was narrated that Ibn 'Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) said:

The Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "The best prayer before Allāh is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation." 

[Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Emān; classified as sahīh]

One of the special features of Fajr prayer on Friday is that it is Sunnah to recite Sūrah Al-Sajdah in the first rak'ah and Sūrah al-Insān in the second. 

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to recite in Fajr prayer in Fridays Alif-Lām-Meem Tanzīl (Sūrah al-Sajdah) in the first rak'ah and Hal ata 'ala'l-insān hīnun min al-dahr lam yakun shay'an madhkūran (Sūrah al-Insān) in the second. 

[Narrated by al-Bukhāri, 851; Muslim, 880]. 

Al-Hāfiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (rahimahullāh) said: 

It was said that the reason why these two sūrahs are recited is because they mention the creation of Adam (‘alayhis Salam) and what will happen on the Day of Resurrection, because that will come to pass on a Friday. 

3 - Whoever dies during the day or night of Friday, Allāh will protect him from the trial of the grave. 

It was narrated that 'Abdallāh Ibn 'Amr (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: "There is no Muslim who dies during the day of Friday or the night of Friday but Allāh will protect him from the trial of the grave." 

[Narrated by Al-Tirmidzi, 1074; classified as sahīh]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Via Islam Way Date: 18 Rabi' al-Thani 1429 (4/24/08)]

See: The Etiquette at the Masjid

See: Solāh Tahiyyatul Masjid
See: Etiquette at the Mosque 

See: The Etiquette for Solāh al-Jumuah

See: The Sanctified Hour of Jumu‘ah

See: The Virtues of Friday