Surah Name: Al-Jumua (سورة الجمعة)
Translation: The Friday
Origin of name: The name is taken from verse 9, which commands the believers to hasten to the remembrance of Allah when the call for the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer is made.
Surah Number: 62
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 11
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: Around the first year after the Hijrah (migration to Madinah)
Historical Context
Surah Al-Jumua was revealed in Madinah during the early phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life there, most likely in the first year after the Hijrah. This was a formative period for the Muslim community, as they were transitioning from the difficult and hostile environment of Makkah to a new beginning in Madinah, where they had the opportunity to begin establishing Islamic practices in a communal setting.
One of the significant historical references in the Surah relates to an incident that occurred during a Friday sermon. While the Prophet was delivering the khutbah (sermon), a trade caravan arrived in Madinah, announced by the beating of drums, as was customary at the time. Due to a food shortage and famine in the region, the caravan drew considerable attention, and many among the congregation, driven by economic desperation, left the sermon and rushed toward the caravan. Only around twelve companions remained with the Prophet. This event deeply saddened the Prophet and prompted the revelation of verse 11, which criticized the actions of those who abandoned the sermon and emphasized the importance of the Friday prayer gathering as a duty over worldly gains [1][2].
This incident also highlights the early stage of communal discipline and religious awareness in Madinah. At the time, the rules and etiquette regarding mosque attendance and communal worship were still being taught and cultivated. The surah served both as a directive and a correction for the young Muslim community as they adjusted to organizing their religious life in a settled society after years of persecution.
References:
[1] Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, al-Tafsīr al-Kabīr, Vol. VIII, p. 208
[2] Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-ʿAẓīm, Vol. IV, p. 367
Main Themes of Surah Al-Jumua
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The Wisdom of Sending a Messenger:
The surah begins by praising Allah and explains the wisdom behind sending Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), an unlettered man, to guide his people through reciting revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom. His mission is not only for his people but also for future generations. -
Guidance vs. Ignoring Revelation:
Using the example of the Jews, the surah highlights how earlier communities failed to act upon the divine scriptures given to them. Those who carry sacred books but do not follow them are compared to donkeys carrying books—showing that knowledge without practice is meaningless. -
False Claims of Righteousness:
People who claim to be close to Allah (like the Jews claiming to be the "friends of Allah") are challenged to prove their sincerity by desiring to meet Him. But because of their worldly concerns and guilt, they do not wish for death or the Day of Judgment. -
The Importance of Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer:
The surah emphasizes the command to attend the Friday prayer when the call (adhan) is heard. Believers must leave trade and distractions to gather in worship. After the prayer, they are allowed to return to their work. -
False Prioritization of Wealth Over Worship:
The surah ends with a reference to a real event where some companions left a Friday sermon to attend a trade caravan. This behavior is criticized, showing how believers must prioritize obedience to Allah over worldly gain.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Jumua
- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent even to those who had no scripture before, showing Islam’s universal message.
- Sacred knowledge must be practiced, not just carried, or it becomes useless.
- Believers must leave worldly distractions and attend the Friday prayer when called.
- Allah’s remembrance should continue both during and outside of prayer times.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Jumua
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Verse 1:
"Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth ˹constantly˺ glorifies Allah—the King, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise."
A powerful opening verse showing that everything in creation praises Allah. -
Verse 2:
"He is the One Who raised for the illiterate ˹people˺ a messenger from among themselves—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom, for indeed they had previously been clearly astray—"
Highlights the Prophet's mission and the blessing of divine guidance. -
Verse 5:
"The example of those who were entrusted with ˹observing˺ the Torah but failed to do so, is that of a donkey carrying books. How evil is the example of those who reject Allah’s signs! For Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people."
A strong image that warns against ignoring divine revelation. -
Verse 6:
"Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O Jews! If you claim to be Allah’s chosen ˹people˺ out of all humanity, then wish for death, if what you say is true.”"
Challenges false spiritual claims and hypocrisy. -
Verse 9:
"O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed ˹diligently˺ to the remembrance of Allah and leave off ˹your˺ business. That is best for you, if only you knew."
This verse establishes the importance of attending Friday prayer over worldly interests. -
Verse 11:
"When they saw the fanfare along with the caravan, they ˹almost all˺ flocked to it, leaving you ˹O Prophet˺ standing ˹on the pulpit˺. Say, “What is with Allah is far better than amusement and merchandise. And Allah is the Best Provider.”"
A rebuke for neglecting the Prophet’s sermon and a reminder that seeking Allah's reward is greater than worldly gain.
