Describe how Salatul-Jumu'ah is performed.

Answer Details

How Salatul-Jumu'ah is performed

Salatul-Jumu'ah is the congregational Friday prayer that replaces the four rak'ahs of the Zuhr prayer. It is obligatory on adult, sane, resident male Muslims. It is performed as follows:

1. Preparation: The worshipper performs Ghusl (a complete bath), wears clean and decent clothing, applies perfume, and proceeds early to the mosque.
2. Assembly: Muslims gather in the mosque in congregation (jama'ah). It cannot be validly offered alone; a minimum congregation is required.
3. The Adhan: The call to prayer is made when the Imam ascends the pulpit (minbar).
4. The two sermons (Khutbah): The Imam delivers two sermons while standing, sitting briefly between them. He praises Allah, sends blessings on the Prophet, recites Qur'an, and admonishes the congregation on piety and good conduct. Listening quietly to the sermon is obligatory.
5. The Iqamah: After the sermons, the Iqamah is called to commence the prayer.
6. The prayer: The Imam leads the congregation in two rak'ahs observed aloud, with the worshippers following his movements in rows behind him.
7. After the prayer: Worshippers may offer voluntary (sunnah) prayers, make supplication and disperse.

Whoever misses the congregation prays Zuhr as four rak'ahs instead.