Jumu'ah is the congregational prayer held at midday on Friday. For those who attend, it takes the place of the Zuhr prayer. It consists of a sermon, called the khutbah, followed by two rak'ahs prayed in congregation.

Its basis is in the Qur'an. In Surah Al-Jumu'ah, chapter sixty-two, verse nine, an English translation of the meaning reads: “O you who have believed, when the adhan is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah Friday, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” And the next verse continues: “And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed.”

The hadith describe its etiquette. Salman al-Farsi reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said that whoever bathes on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, uses oil or perfume, goes to the prayer without separating two people sitting together, prays what has been written for him, and then stays silent while the imam gives the sermon, will be forgiven his sins between that Friday and the previous one. This is in Sahih al-Bukhari, number eight hundred and eighty-three. Abu Hurayrah reported a similar teaching about performing wudu well, coming to the Friday prayer, listening, and keeping silent, and that whoever fidgeted with the pebbles caused an interruption. That is in Sahih Muslim, number eight hundred and fifty-seven.

Who is it for? Jumu'ah is generally taught as obligatory for adult, sane, resident Muslim men who are able to attend. It is not obligatory for women, children, travellers or the sick. Women may attend where the mosque allows, and their prayer is valid according to the majority of scholars. Anyone who does not pray Jumu'ah prays Zuhr instead.

Some details differ between scholars. A report in Sahih al-Bukhari, number eight hundred and fifty-eight, describes bathing on Friday as compulsory for every adult. The majority understand this as a strongly emphasised recommendation, while a minority take it literally. The number of worshippers needed for a valid Friday prayer also differs between the schools, so follow the practice of your local mosque and school.

If you cannot attend, you pray Zuhr as usual. And if you missed Jumu'ah without an excuse, sincerely seek forgiveness, and make attending a priority.