The Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) is a special congregational prayer that Muslims perform every Friday in place of the regular Dhuhr (midday) prayer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Jumu’ah prayer:

1. Preparation Before the Prayer:

• Ghusl (Ritual Bath): It is highly recommended (Sunnah) to perform a full-body ritual purification (ghusl) before attending the Friday prayer.
• Dress Well: Wear clean and presentable clothes, and apply perfume if possible. It is a day of gathering, so dressing well is part of the Sunnah.
• Go Early to the Mosque: Arriving early is encouraged to listen to the Khutbah (sermon) and engage in additional worship like reciting Quran or making du’a.

2. Entering the Mosque:

• Enter with the Right Foot: As you enter the mosque, say the du’a for entering the mosque: “Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu ’ala Rasoolillah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunoobi waftah li abwaba rahmatik.” (In the name of Allah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open the doors of Your mercy for me.)
• Pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Greeting the Mosque): If you arrive early and the khutbah has not yet started, it is recommended to pray two raka’ahs of voluntary prayer, known as Tahiyyat al-Masjid.

3. Listening to the Khutbah (Sermon):

• Sit Quietly and Listen: Once the Imam starts the Khutbah, you should stop any additional prayers, be seated, and listen attentively. Talking, fidgeting, or being distracted is discouraged, as it detracts from the spiritual benefit of the sermon.
• Two Parts of the Khutbah: The Khutbah is divided into two parts, with the Imam sitting briefly between them. Both parts typically cover religious teachings, community issues, and reminders to fear Allah.

4. Performing the Jumu’ah Prayer:

• Two Raka’ahs Led by the Imam: After the Khutbah, the Imam will lead the congregation in a two-raka’ah prayer. This prayer is similar to any other congregational prayer but is performed in place of the four raka’ahs of Dhuhr on Fridays.
• Takbir: The prayer begins with the Takbir (“Allahu Akbar”).
• Recitation: The Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah out loud in both raka’ahs.
• Ruku and Sujood: Follow the Imam in bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujood) as in other prayers.
• Tashahhud and Tasleem: The prayer concludes with the Tashahhud, followed by the Tasleem, where the Imam and congregation turn their heads to the right and then to the left, saying “As-Salaamu ’Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.”

5. After the Prayer:

• Make Du’a: After the prayer, you can make personal supplications (du’a).
• Pray Additional Sunnah Prayers: It is recommended to pray either two or four raka’ahs of Sunnah prayers after the Jumu’ah prayer, either at the mosque or at home.

6. Additional Notes:

• Obligatory for Men: Jumu’ah prayer is obligatory for adult Muslim men. Women, children, travelers, and those who are ill are not required to attend, though women may do so if they choose.
• Substitutes for Those Who Miss It: If someone misses the Jumu’ah prayer, they should perform the regular Dhuhr prayer (four raka’ahs) instead.

Summary:

The Jumu’ah prayer is a significant weekly worship act that involves attending the mosque, listening to the Khutbah, and performing a two-raka’ah congregational prayer led by the Imam. Preparing appropriately, arriving early, and participating attentively enhances the spiritual experience of this important ritual in Islam.