Al-Jumu'ah

Background Info

• When & Where: Revealed in Medina, after the Hijrah.
• The Situation: The Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah) had been established as a central institution for the Muslim community. However, worldly affairs, particularly trade caravans arriving during the prayer/sermon time, sometimes distracted people. There were also ongoing interactions and debates with the Jewish tribes of Medina.
• The Need: To emphasize the importance and obligation of the Jumu'ah prayer, regulate behaviour concerning it (leaving trade), and address claims or criticisms from the Jewish community regarding prophethood.
• Purpose of the Chapter: To mandate attending the Friday prayer, instruct believers to prioritize it over business when the call is made, critique those who neglect it, and also critique the Jews of Medina for not truly adhering to their own scriptures (likening them to a donkey carrying books without understanding).
• In short: Al-Jumu'ah, revealed in Medina, stresses the obligation of Friday prayers over worldly distractions and addresses the relationship and theological discourse with the Medinan Jewish community.

Core Message

To emphasize the importance of the Friday congregational prayer as a cornerstone of community life, while also highlighting the purpose of Prophet Muhammad's mission and criticizing those who possess divine knowledge but fail to act upon it.

Summary

This concise Madinan chapter begins by affirming Allah's absolute sovereignty and wisdom, with all creation glorifying Him 62:1. It then highlights the blessing of Allah sending the final Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), to an unlettered people to recite His revelations, purify them, and teach them the Book (Quran) and wisdom (Sunnah) 62:2-4.

The Surah then critiques a segment of the People of the Book (specifically referencing the Jews) who were given the Torah but failed to uphold its teachings, comparing them to a donkey carrying valuable books without understanding or benefiting from them 62:5. It challenges their claims of being favored by Allah and their alleged desire for death if they were truthful 62:6-8.

The core of the chapter shifts to the Muslim community, issuing a direct command to hasten towards the remembrance of Allah (the Jumu'ah prayer and sermon) when the call is made on Friday, leaving aside trade and worldly affairs. After the prayer, believers are permitted to disperse, seek Allah's bounty (livelihood), and continue remembering Him 62:9-10. The chapter concludes by admonishing those who might prioritize worldly distractions (like trade or amusement) over the Prophet's guidance and the remembrance of Allah, reminding them that Allah's provision is best 62:11.

Reason for the Name

Named after the congregational Friday prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah), which is explicitly mentioned and commanded in the chapter 62:9. "Jumu'ah" itself means "congregation" or "gathering."

Unique Features

• Specifically named after and focuses on the rulings and importance of the Friday congregational prayer.
• Contains the well-known and impactful parable of the donkey carrying books 62:5.
• Clearly outlines the key aspects of the Prophet Muhammad's mission (recitation, purification, teaching).

Themes

• Glorification of Allah (Tasbih)
• The Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Recitation, Purification, Teaching
• Critique of fruitless knowledge (referencing some People of the Book)
• The Obligation and Importance of the Friday Prayer (Salat al-Jumu'ah)
• Balancing Religious Duties and Worldly Activities
• The dangers of preferring materialism over spiritual growth and remembrance of Allah
• Divine Wisdom and Blessing in sending the Prophet

Key Verses

• 62:1: "Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise." - Establishes Allah's supreme authority and the universal acknowledgment of His perfection.
• 62:2: "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..." - Defines the core functions and blessing of Prophet Muhammad's mission.
• 62:5: "The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then failed to uphold it is like that of a donkey carrying ˹volumes of˺ books..." - A powerful parable emphasizing the importance of acting upon knowledge.
• 62:9: "O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten towards the remembrance of Allah and leave off your business. That is best for you, if only you knew." - The direct command establishing the obligation of Jumu'ah prayer.
• 62:10: "Then when the prayer is concluded, disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed." - Instructs on returning to worldly activities after fulfilling the religious duty, while maintaining remembrance of Allah.

Stories

• The Parable of the Donkey Carrying Books 62:5: Illustrates the condition of those (initially referring to some Jews given the Torah) who possess divine scripture but do not understand, implement, or benefit from its guidance.
• Implicit reference to an incident 62:11: Historical context suggests this verse refers to an occasion when a trade caravan arrived with drumming during the Friday sermon, causing some people to leave the congregation to see it. The verse serves as a gentle reprimand and reminder of priorities.

Personalities

• Allah (God): Mentioned extensively through His names and actions.
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Referred to as the Messenger sent by Allah 62:2.
• The People entrusted with the Torah (Jews): Mentioned in the context of the parable 62:5 and the challenge regarding their claims 62:6.

Practical Guidance

• The absolute obligation and high importance of attending the congregational Friday prayer for Muslim men.
• The need to prioritize the remembrance of Allah, especially during the Jumu'ah prayer, over worldly business and distractions.
• Islam encourages seeking livelihood, but this should be done after fulfilling primary religious duties.
• Knowledge (especially religious knowledge) is only beneficial when understood and acted upon. Merely possessing it is insufficient.
• Appreciating the immense blessing of Prophet Muhammad's mission in guiding humanity.
• Maintaining constant remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) even while engaged in worldly pursuits leads to success.

Points of Reflection

• How seriously do I take the Jumu'ah prayer, and what steps can I take to benefit more fully from the sermon and prayer?
• Am I like the "donkey carrying books" in any area of my life, possessing knowledge (religious or otherwise) but failing to implement it meaningfully?
• How do I balance my need to earn a living or engage in permissible enjoyment with my duty to remember and worship Allah? Does one consistently overshadow the other?

Connection to Chapters

• Connection to Surah As-Saff (Chapter 61): Surah As-Saff ends with a call for believers to be "Allah's helpers" 61:14, emphasizing commitment and striving. Surah Al-Jumu'ah follows by highlighting a crucial, practical act of communal worship (Jumu'ah prayer) that demonstrates this commitment and strengthens the community bond.
• Connection to Surah Al-Munafiqun (Chapter 63): Surah Al-Jumu'ah calls believers to sincere devotion and prioritizing Allah. The next chapter, Al-Munafiqun, exposes the characteristics and dangers of the hypocrites, who outwardly conform but lack inner sincerity, providing a stark contrast to the ideal believer called upon in Al-Jumu'ah.