By Imam Syed Anisul Haque | 15 Dec 2023

Standing before my congregation last Friday (15 December 2023), I reflected on the sacred day of Jumu‘ah and enumerated its blessings. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) once said,

One of the best of your days is Friday.

It is a day that carries unique significance, and our gathering for Friday prayer is a manifestation of Allah’s grace upon us.

Ibn al-Qayyim eloquently reminds us that Friday prayer is not merely an obligation but one of the most crucial gatherings of Muslims. Our coming together on this blessed day holds a status greater than any other assembly, except that of ‘Arafah. The privilege of attending the Friday prayer is a blessing we must acknowledge and appreciate.

There are those less fortunate, facing health challenges or lacking a deep understanding of the obligation of attending the Friday prayer. We must express gratitude to Allah for choosing us to recognise this duty and allowing us to be present in the mosque praying on the blessed day.

In delivering last Friday’s message, I explored the special merits and glad tidings Allah grants on Jumu‘ah for certain righteous deeds, as affirmed time and again in the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ guidance.

The recitation of Surah al-Kahf on Fridays for instance brings forth a special light between one Friday to the next. The rewards continue for those who come early, sit close to the imam, and listen attentively.

The crowning jewel granting Jumu‘ah its supreme status remains the spiritual connection that can be unlocked between Allah and his servants through sublime supplication and the intimacy of dua during the latter hours of the day.

Allah has designated a specific time on Friday during which our prayers are more likely to be answered. The Prophet ﷺ conveyed this divine promise, stating,

Friday is twelve hours in which there is no Muslim slave who asks Allah for something, but He will give it to him, so seek it in the last hour after ‘Asr.

This act of raising our hands and sincerely asking Allah for our needs holds transformative power.

However, we often fail to be fully present when we worship Allah and supplicate to him. It is disheartening to witness the undervaluation of this sacred act. Dua is not a routine; it is a connection between the servant and the Creator. As the Prophet ﷺ affirmed,

Verily, supplication is worship.

However, we often fail to grasp the spiritual implications and conditions that make our supplications acceptable.

In the precious moments of making dua, sincerity is the key. We must ask with pure intentions, acknowledging that only Allah possesses the power to respond to our requests. Sufyan al-Thawri aptly expressed the challenges we face in maintaining sincerity, stating,

I never dealt with anything more difficult on me than my own intention.

The second condition is avoiding sinful requests. Allah, who is pure, accepts only that which is pure. The Prophet ﷺ warned against making impermissible or sinful requests, reminding us that our prayers must be free from harm and negativity.

Praying with a present heart and full certainty is the third condition. We must approach Allah with optimism and unwavering certainty, as the Prophet ﷺ advised,

Ask Allah whilst you are certain of His response.

Our faith in the power of dua should be unshakable.

The final and most crucial condition is ensuring that our sustenance is lawful. Our sources of income and consumption must align with Islamic principles. The Prophet ﷺ cautioned against consuming unlawful things, highlighting the connection between the acceptance of our prayers and our adherence to halal sources.

In conclusion, I reminded my beloved brothers and sisters, to appreciate the blessings of Friday and uphold the conditions for the accepted dua. Turn to Allah with sincerity, certainty, and a heart free from sin. Dua is our most potent weapon, a means of seeking help and mercy from Allah.

To our oppressed brothers and sisters worldwide, remember that you possess the greatest power through your supplication. Turn to your Lord, raise your hands, and supplicate fervently. Allah’s response is near, for He is the Most Merciful, the All-Hearing. Stay firm in your faith, and may Allah alleviate your struggles and grant you victory.

May Allah accept our prayers and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.

Watch the full sermon