The Significance of Friday in Islam

Sahih Muslim 854 b
Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday.

This Hadith highlights the importance of Friday (Jumu’ah) as a blessed day in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized its significance by mentioning key historical and future events associated with it:

• The creation of Adam (AS) – The beginning of humanity.
• Adam’s entry into Paradise – A reminder of the ultimate reward.
• Adam’s expulsion from Paradise – A lesson in obedience and repentance.
• The Day of Judgment will occur on a Friday – A warning to always be prepared.

Friday as the Replacement for the Sabbath

In previous times, those who followed the earlier revelations from Allah were known as Muslims, even though they were later called Jews and Christians. Saturday (Sabbath) was designated as a sacred day for the followers of Musa (AS), while Sunday was observed by those who later followed Isa (AS). However, Islam replaced the Sabbath with Friday, making it the most sacred day of the week for Muslims. This shift signifies that Islam came as the final and perfected divine guidance, fulfilling and correcting the practices of previous scriptures. The earlier followers were originally Muslims, but over time, their communities deviated, and new labels such as Jewish and Christian emerged. Islam restores the original monotheistic faith and designates Friday as the day of worship, aligning with Allah’s final revelation.

Allah says in the Qur’an:
📖 Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:9)
“O you who have believed, when the call is made for prayer on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”

This verse affirms that Friday holds a central place in Islamic worship, as it is the day for the special congregational Jumu’ah prayer, similar to how the Sabbath was observed in earlier religious traditions. However, Islam does not prohibit work or trade the entire day, unlike the strict Sabbath laws in Judaism. Instead, Muslims are only required to pause for the Friday prayer and then can resume their daily activities.