Every week, Allah gives Muslims a special gift: Friday (Jumu'ah). The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted into Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it." (Sahih Muslim, 854). Here are seven Sunnahs that every Muslim family can practise to make Friday truly special.
1. Take a Bath (Ghusl)
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims to take a bath before the Friday prayer, wear clean clothes and use a good fragrance (for men). Make it a family habit: everyone showers and dresses nicely on Friday.
2. Go Early to the Friday Prayer
Attending Jumu'ah is obligatory for adult Muslim men. The earlier one arrives at the masjid, the greater the reward. For working parents in North America, this may mean planning a long lunch break or adjusting meetings – a small sacrifice for a big reward.
3. Listen Attentively to the Khutbah
The Prophet ﷺ taught that during the sermon one should stay silent and listen. Teach children who come along to sit quietly and listen – and talk about the khutbah's message on the drive home.
4. Read Surah Al-Kahf
Many scholars encourage reading Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, based on narrations that it brings light to the reader between two Fridays (reported by al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi, graded authentic by Shaykh al-Albani). If the whole surah is too long, start with a few pages and build up.
5. Send Abundant Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Among the best of your days is Friday… so send a great deal of salah upon me on that day, for your salah is presented to me." (Sunan Abi Dawud, 1047). A simple family goal: everyone says "Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad" as often as they can on Friday.
6. Look for the Hour of Acceptance
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned that there is an hour on Friday in which a Muslim does not ask Allah for anything good except that He gives it to him (Sahih al-Bukhari 935, Sahih Muslim 852). Many scholars recommend making extra du'a in the last hour before Maghrib on Friday.
7. Make It a Family Day of Goodness
- Give a little charity together.
- Call or visit grandparents and relatives.
- Have a special family meal after Maghrib.
- Spend a few minutes reading the Quran together.
A Friday Checklist for Kids
- ✔ Shower and wear clean clothes
- ✔ Read or listen to Surah Al-Kahf
- ✔ Say salawat on the Prophet ﷺ 10 times or more
- ✔ Make a du'a before Maghrib
- ✔ Do one act of kindness
Print it out and let children tick the boxes – small habits now become lifelong Sunnahs.
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