Virtues of Attending Jumuah Early

Virtues of Attending Jumuah (Friday Prayer) Early Explanation of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 881

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, Any person who takes a bath on Friday like the bath of Janaba and then goes for the Salat (prayer) (in the first hour,, early) it is as if he had sacrificed a camel in Allah's Cause); and whoever goes in the second hour it is as if he had sacrificed a cow, and whoever goes in the third hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a horned ram; and if one goes in the fourth hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour then it is as if he had offered an egg. When the Imam comes out, the angles present themselves to listen to the Khutba.

Explanation of the Hadith

This hadith emphasizes the significant spiritual benefits of arriving early for Jumuah, or Friday prayer. Just as there are great rewards associated with sacrificing animals in Islam, arriving ahead of time for Jumuah is likened to making those sacrifices for the sake of Allah. The earlier you get there, the more blessings you receive.

First Hour: Reward equals sacrificing a camel (a highly valuable sacrifice in Arab culture).

Second Hour: Reward equals sacrificing a cow.

Third Hour: Reward equals sacrificing a horned ram.

Fourth Hour: Reward equals sacrificing a hen.

Fifth Hour: Reward equals sacrificing an egg.

Once the Imam takes his place on the pulpit, the angels cease writing down the names of those present. Instead, they turn their attention to the Khutbah. This highlights just how important it is to arrive before the sermon starts.

Lessons and Benefits

Encouragement to bathe on Friday: The Prophet ﷺ drew a comparison between the Friday bath and the ritual cleansing associated with Janabah, highlighting how significant it is.

Arriving early multiplies reward: Every hour you rise earlier offers a payoff that resembles a unique kind of sacrifice.

Spiritual competition: This hadith encourages believers to aim for the greatest rewards by arriving early.

Respect for the Khutbah: As soon as the Imam steps out, everyone shifts their attention to the sermon, and this includes the angels, who listen attentively.

Conclusion

The hadith reported by Abu Hurairah (RA) in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 881, highlights how crucial it is to arrive early for Jumuah (Friday prayer). In this teaching, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) likens each hour spent in anticipation to precious sacrifices. 

This comparison serves to remind us that even our small acts of devotion on this sacred day hold tremendous value in the eyes of Allah.

By taking a bath, ensuring cleanliness, and making the effort to get to the mosque ahead of time, a believer not only opens themselves up to greater spiritual rewards but also shows deep respect for one of the key acts of worship that Islam encourages each week.

Hadith Reference:

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari

Hadith No: 881

Volume: 02

Page No: 23

Book: The Book of Al Jumuah (Friday)

Chapter: The superiority of Jumuah (prayer and Khutba)

Translator: Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan