S62 -SURATUL JUMUAH

Introduction
NAME : The importance of Friday prayer has been explained in ayah 9. This has given the name ‘Al-Jumuah’ to this Surat.
TIME OF REVELATION: It is Medinite and had been revealed soon after Hijrat (migration), as is apparent from the event which has been mentioned at the end. Regarding the narration of Abu Hurairah noted in Bukhari stating that they were sitting with the holy prophet when these verses were revealed it can be said that it well-known that Abu Hurairah had accepted Islam after the treaty of Hudaibiyah. It seems the narrators could not remember his words correctly. Most probably Abu Hurairah might have said: that the holy prophet had recited these verses before them. But the narrators understood that they were revealed at that time. Otherwise, it is difficult to believe that the event mentioned here might have taken place when many companions were present.
CENTRAL THEME : To make the (Grace of Allah felt, as to how great prophet HE has sent and what a grand training he is giving to you. Appreciate him and obey him so that your lives may be reformed and you may attain eternal success.
ORDER OF THE VERSES: Ayah 1 is preliminary which adores Allah and describes His attributes.
Ayah 2 to 4 tell of the great bounty in the form of the holy prophet who came to the unlettered folk from among themselves.
Ayah 5 to 8 criticise the inactivity and false claims of the Jews.
Ayah 9 to 11 emphatically order Muslims to establish the Friday prayers.
The mention of Jews is also meant to warn that Muslims should not disregard the orders about Friday as the Jews had disregarded commandants about Sabbath.
HADITH : It has been recorded in Ahadith that the Holy Prophet used to recite Surah Jumuah and Surah Munafiqoon in the Jumuah prayer. (Tirmizi: Abwabul Jumuah)

62 -SURATUL JUMUAH

Ayah : 11

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth hallows (recite Tasbeeh of) Allah, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Almighty, the Wise.1

2. It is HE Who raised among the unlettered ones2 a Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His ayah, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom.3 Before that they were in error manifest.4

3. And (his messenger ship) in this (unlettered folk) is also for the others who have not yet joined them.5 And Allah is the Mighty, the Wise One.

4. This is the grace of Allah; which HE bestows upon whom HE will.6 And Allah is of the mighty grace.

5. The likeness of those to whom the burden of Taurat was entrusted and then they bore it not is as the likeness of the ass carrying a load of books.7 Evil is the likeness of the people who denied the ayah of Allah.8 And Allah does not guide such wrong doing people.

6. Say: O you who became Jews! 9 if you think that of all others, you alone are Allah’s favoured, then long for death if you are truthful, in your claim.10

1. The explanation of these attributes has been given in Surah Hashr. Their mention has been made in these preliminary ayat so that people may get the correct introduction of the One Who sent this prophet and they may fully understand that this prophet has come with a Message from the Lord Sovereign of the universe. Therefore, it is necessary and compulsory to put faith in him. Allah is the Holy One and hence there can never be any error in His decisions. Therefore, the man selected by Him for His messenger ship is the most appropriate for this position, and his decision is entirely correct and most wise.

2. Please see Surah Aal-e- Imran, note 29 for the explanation of the word ‘Ummi’ (unlettered) and also Surah Aaraf, note 224 as well as Surah Ankaboot, note 91.

3. For clarification please see Surah Baqarah, note 149.

4. Before the arrival of this prophet, these Arabs who had been ‘ummi’ or unlettered and who did not have Divine Book were in total ignorance. But Allah favoured them and raised from among them a Messenger for their guidance who is a manifestation of the prayer of Ibrahim and the prophecy of Isa (peace be on both of them) and whose greatness is such that, despite being unlettered, he recites the Divine verses revealed to him which enlighten human hearts with the radiance of Faith. He trains these unlettered people so thoroughly that their lives become bright and they cultivate the best of virtues. He teaches them the Book of Allah so perfectly that they become its torchbearers. He Spills so many pearls of wisdom that their bags begin to overflow. Therefore, the prophethood of this prophet is beyond all doubts and his dispatch to the world is God’s great favour upon all. Not to appreciate him is a very big loss.

5. This is a good tiding that the circle of the followers of this holy prophet will go on expanding and other Arab tribes will also join them. This prophecy of the Holy Quran came true and all the Arab tribes became Muslim even during the life time of the holy prophet (peace be upon him).
It should be remembered that though the holy prophet was raised among the unlettered folk of the Arab land, his guidance, as explained by the holy Quran, was not limited only to the Arabs but it was for the Arabs and non-Arabs, the unlettered as well as for the People of the Book. It was not only for his time. It is for all ages and periods until Dooms Day.

6. It is a special favour to the unlettered Arabs that Almighty Allah raised from them such a great prophet. This ayah also hints that the Jews did not like that any prophet may arrive in any community except their own. But Divine Messengership does not depend on their wish. It is God’s Grace which HE may grant to whomsoever HE will. What right anyone has to take any objection?!

7. ’Sifr’ (plural: Asfar) means ‘book’ in both Arabic and Hebrew. The religious language of the Jews is Hebrew and they knew the word ‘Asfar’ which was being used to mean Torah. Therefore, this word was more appropriate to draw the attention of Jews toward their own religious scriptures.
The ignorance and the inaction of the Jews who were having Taurat with them has been compared with the burden of books on an ass. The animal does not know what a precious treasure is laden on its back. Similar is the condition of the Jews who did not appreciate the value of a Divine Book like Taurat... Had they appreciated it they would, today, also appreciate the Holy Quran, because, the revealer of both these scripture is Almighty Allah.
The example given here is very eloquent and it also applies to those Muslims who, despite having the bountiful Quran, did not appreciate it. They neither studied it nor acted according to it.

8. As a consequence of this senselessness of the Jews they are denying the Quran which also has been sent down by Almighty Allah.

9. The point is that the religion given to Bani Israil was Islam. But, afterwards, they made changes in it and instead of calling themselves ‘Muslim, they preferred to be called by the name’Jew’.

10. The Jews used to claim that they and they alone, and none else, were the favorites of Allah. But the hollowness of this claim became obvious when the Quran said: then long for death, because, for God’s friends there is Paradise. So when you are sure of being the people of the paradise, you should look at the Hereafter and not be mad after worldly things. But what you desire is a very very long life in this world ! (Surah Baqarah, Ayah:96) and cowardice has become your attribute. This attitude of yours itself contradicts your claim.
O You who believe! When you are summoned to ‘Jumua’ (Friday) prayers (when Azan is pronounced) hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business. That is better for you if you know. Then when the prayer is ended disperse in the land and seek Allah’s grace. And remember Allah much, that you may succeed.(Al-Quran)

7. But they will never long for it because of the deeds done by them.11 And Allah knows well the wrong-doers.

8. Tell (them): the death from which you flee shall surely come to you.12 Thereafter you will be presented before the One Who is the Knower of the seen and the unseen. HE will tell you all that you were doing.

9. O You who believe! When you are summoned to ‘Jumua’ (Friday) prayers (when Azan is pronounced) hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave aside business.13 That is better for you if you know.14

10. Then when the prayer is ended disperse in the land and seek Allah’s grace.15 and remember Allah much, that you may succeed.16

11. When they see some merchandise or pastime they run toward it and (O Prophet!) leave you standing all alone.17 Say: What is with Allah is better than the trade and the pastime and Allah is the Best Provider.18

11. Their lives are full of sins. Therefore, inspite of their claim of being the favorite of Allah, there is a pinch in their hearts that they may be chastised by God in the Hereafter due to their misdeeds. Hence they prefer this world to the Hereafter and their desire is to continue the enjoyment in this world only.
The Jews could not accept this challenge of Quran that they should desire death. This falsified their claim and also testified to the truth of the holy Quran.

12. That is, there is no escape from death. You are bound to confront it. Why then do you shirk your responsibilities for fear of death?

13. The Jews were taken to task above. Now, addressing the Faithful, the importance and the obligation of Friday salat (prayers) is being explained to them. Its hint is toward Sabbath.’ The Jews were ordained to observe it on Saturday but they defied the commandment. Now the Muslims are being granted an easier Shariat (rule) whereby they have only to perform the Friday prayer. Appreciating this leniency they must abide by the order faithfully. They must not do what the Jews did. Here note 184 of Surah Nahl may also be kept in mind where a hadith regarding Sabbath and Jumua (Friday) has been quoted.
According to correct narrations, the beginning of Friday prayer was made in Madinah when the holy prophet (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. It was Friday when, after making a stop at Kuba, he was proceeding to the city (Madinah). He was passing by the residence of the tribe of Bani Salim where he offered the Jumua salat. It was the first Friday prayer. This Surah was revealed shortly thereafter, when the event described henceforth took place.
These verses have been revealed to emphasise the importance of Friday prayer which was already established by the holy prophet earlier. This automatically clarifies that Shariat (law) is not only that which is mentioned in the Quran but it also comprises of whatever the holy prophet has ordered and now the source of knowing his orders is the holy prophet’s Sunnah and true traditions.
Jumua is in lieu of Zuhar prayer. Its time is after mid day (after ‘zawal’ or the movement of the sun toward west). The holy prophet used to climb the mimber (a small stair in mosque for making speech) after zawal. Then azan (prayer call) was being pronounced loudly. Thereafter he used to get up and give a khutbah (sermon). There used to be two khutbas. He used to sit for a while between the two sermons. In the khutba, addressing the audience, he used to praise Allah, recite Quran and present a talk of exhortation. Then he used to offer two rakaats of obligatory Friday salat with the congregation.
The Friday Salat can be performed only in congregation. But there is no condition regarding the number of attendants either according to Quran or Hadith. Similarly there is no condition about its being in city or town. It can be offered even in villages. Of course it must be tried to see that more and more people gather at one place. There are traditions to show that the people living around Medina were making special affords to attend the Masjid-e- Nabavi for their Jumua prayers.
It is the responsibility of the Islamic State to make arrangements for Salatul Jumuah. But, then, it does not mean that Friday prayers cannot be performed in the absence of such arrangement. If it is not done by the state then it is for the Muslims to establish Jumua. The Jumua prayer is obligatory for every Muslim. Of course, as is clearly mentioned in traditions, women, sick persons and travelers have been exempted from its performance. Yet if any of them participate in it, it will be okay, and it will not be necessary for them to offer the Zuhar prayer in its place.
The holy prophet has ordered Muslims to take a bath, to clean teeth, to wear good clothes and to apply perfume (itr) for Jumua. It is to manifest the grandeur of Jumua and also for the performance of Jumua in a clean and a pleasing atmosphere. It is also to cultivate the habit of cleanliness.
It has been ordained in this ayah that when the call for Jumua salat (azaan) is proclaimed the business of buying and selling should be abandoned and all should hasten toward the prayers. Since only one azan was being pronounced in the time of the holy prophet it Dawatul Quran 723 S. 62 means that azaan which is being pronounced after the Imam sits on the mimber Trading (buying and selling) is prohibited from the time of the proclamation of this azaan till the prayer ends. This prohibition of business includes all kinds of transactions and engagements, except in the case of exigency allowed by the Shariah such as an accident and, for a doctor, an operation which cannot be delayed etc. It is the responsibility of Muslim employers to give a leave to their Muslim employees for the performance of Jumua prayers. If the government is non-Islamic, such leave should be demanded. Anyway it is a must for Muslim servants to perform the Jumua salaat.
The ‘Zikr’. mentioned in this ayah means both the salat as well as the sermon (khutba) which is being delivered before the Friday prayer. This explains the fact that Khutba is Allah’s remembrance and an act of worship. It should also be born in mind here that the khutba is an address to the audience. Therefore, while addressing people, those things should be presented therein which may refresh Allah’s remembrance and which may have an aspect of admonition. And when it is an address its aim can be fulfilled only if it is delivered in the language of the audience along with the Arabic version.
The meaning of ‘Fas av ila zikrillah’((hasten toward Allah’s remembrance)) is that show readiness for the prayer and rush toward it. Hadith asks us to proceed for any salat calmly and with dignity.

14. Apparently leaving aside business transactions is a matter of loss. But there is true benefit and bounty in it and eternal success can be gained only by obeying and worshipping Allah.

15. With the end of prayer the ban on trade also ends. Thereafter you can engage in your efforts for provision. This endeavour of yours too should be made keeping in view the grace of God so that the feeling of thankfulness to Allah may develop in your hearts.
This also makes it clear that the orders of Friday are not as hard as those of Sabbath, in which all business dealings were banned for the whole day. Now, on Friday, such dealings are stopped only till the time required for listening the Khutbah and performing the Jumua salat. Even after this much ease and facility, if the Muslims consider it a burden then it is indeed ungratefulness.

16. That is: do not think that remembering Allah in the mosque and performing the salat is enough. It is also necessary to remember God at all moments. Therefore the tongue should always be busy hallowing. His Name with the words of Tasbeeh even while walking and bargaining in bazars etc. You will thereby gain eternal success.

17. This is a hint toward an incident that had occurred at the time of the revelation of this Surah. The holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was delivering the Jumua Khutbah on a Friday. At that time a trade caravan from Syria arrived with merchandise of food grains in the market of Madinah. There was a severe shortage of food grains at that time. So a number of persons from the audience went out to buy grains with an intention to return soon and to rejoin the prayers. Till that time the importance of Jumua sermon was not fully understood by the people. Yet it was wrong to leave the Jumua khutbah and it was also a kind of disrespect to the holy prophet. So this thing was severely criticised. This event has been recorded in Bukhari Kitaabul Jumuah and other books of traditions.
It should be kept in mind that this event had occurred when the performance of Jumuah had newly started and people had not till then comprehended its importance fully. Such a thing was never repeated thereafter. After passing through the stages of training the companions (Sahabah) had, become so perfect that, in the words of Quran:-
“Men whom neither trade nor sale can divert from remembering Allah. ” (Noor:37)
In this ayah the drum has been termed ‘Lahv’ (Pastime). It shows the undesirability and the harm of musical instruments of singing and beating etc. ‘Lahv’ means a thing which makes man unmindful or careless. In the language of Shariat all those things are ‘Lahv’ which render man unmindful or careless about Allah. Singing, beating, dancing, instruments of music and materials of plays like chess and carum etc all fall under this definition. These things engage people’s attention so much that they become unmindul of Allah.

18. That is: if you give first preference to the performance of Friday prayer over your monetary dealings then this sacrifice of yours will never go in vain. You will get its best reward from Allah. As regards the worldly provision, you should rely on Allah because, HE alone is the real provider. If you obey Him, HE will grant you the best provision. The best provision is that which, though less in quantity, is bountiful.