Today is Friday the 13th; a day believed to be of the devil in the West. Friday was considered an evil and uneventful day for a long time in western world beliefs. However, the emergence of IT industries around the globe has changed that a lot. Now Friday comes a precursor for the weekend for us Software professonals. The concept of TGIF or "Thank God its Friday", and the TGIF parties are fast catching up even in India. It signals an end to the gruelling week of work and 2 days of imminent break. But there is a section in the world for whom, the significance of Friday transcends the corporal desires and myths and presents a way to submit before the almighty Allah. Its a day when everything comes to a halt, in Islamic world, and a devot Muslim, prepares himself to join in congregation to pray and ask forgiveness and seek blessings. The Friday prayer or the Namaaz-e-Jumaa, is considered the most pious prayers before Allah, along with the prayers of Eid, Ramzaan and the few described nights (Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj & Shab-e-Qadr).
My parents who performed the Hajj last year, described the scene in the holy city of Mecca when the 
Muazzin calls the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Jumaa. The whole city comes to a stop; people in a swarm head towards the mosques, shopkeepers leave their shops open and go for the prayers, be it a vegetable outlet, a shopping complex or a jewellry shop; its left unattended and as it is, as the priority becomes prayers than business. Travellars leave there vehicles on the road, and those who get late; lay down the sheets on the roads and complete their prayers. Even those who do not pray for the whole week, make it a point not to miss the Friday prayer.
Muazzin calls the Azaan for the Namaz-e-Jumaa. The whole city comes to a stop; people in a swarm head towards the mosques, shopkeepers leave their shops open and go for the prayers, be it a vegetable outlet, a shopping complex or a jewellry shop; its left unattended and as it is, as the priority becomes prayers than business. Travellars leave there vehicles on the road, and those who get late; lay down the sheets on the roads and complete their prayers. Even those who do not pray for the whole week, make it a point not to miss the Friday prayer.
One might ask why is such a 'fanatism' among Muslims for Namaz-e-Jumaa ? This day as described by the Holy Quraa'n, in Islam carries many virtues and blessings. This was the day that Adam (pbuh) was created, the day he was placed into Paradise, the day he was sent down to the earth, and Friday was the day that he died. Friday is also a day when our supplications to Allah are answered as long as it isn’t something forbidden. This is also the day where the onset of the last hour will begin. Allah has made this day the master of all other days to the extent that it is greater to Allah than the days of Al-Fitr and Al-Adha. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has mentioned all these characteristics in his hadiths. Namaaz-e-Jumaa is the best prayer. It’s significance is so great that there is a whole chapter in the Quran that is named Al-Jumuah. Allah makes mention of the importance of Friday in the Quran where He says in the translation of the meaning:
“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” (Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)
“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” (Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)
This is a day where Allah the All-Merciful forgives our minor sins not just for that day but for a week and an extra three days. Another great virtue of this day is the that if a Muslim dies on the day or night of Friday, Allah will protect them from the trials of the grave. The attendance to the Friday Prayer is also written down by angels who stand at every gate of the mosque to write down the names of people in chronological order of their attendance. Prophet Muhammed (SAW) describes the Friday prayers as a reward for Muslims from Allah. A person who takes a bath on Friday and wears clean clothes, applies perfume and heads towards the mosque on hearing the Azaan (call for prayer), is like he has offered sacrifices in the way of Allah. Every step taken towards preparing for the Namaaz-e-Jumaa is a blessing in itself.
Allah has perfected the way of life for Muslims and although many indulge in sins and personal pleasures during this day, Muslims know the true meaning and importance of Friday. We may all say thank goodness it’s Friday; however, the meaning behind the famous acronym “TGIF” is more valuable and signficant in the hearts of Muslims than others. Allah has not only given them the information but has given them the motivation to spend this beautiful day wisely so that they may compete with one another to attain good deeds for His sake. Happy Friday!!!
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