In the Name of Allāh.
Alḥamdulillāh, it’s another day of Jumu’ah. From the rulings of Jumu’ah prayer is getting to the Masjid (for prayer) at its early time (i.e. the first hour). As recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Abū Hurayrah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever does Ghusl on the day of Jumu’ah like Ghusl for Janabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e. early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel…”
Today, many Muslims do not consider going for Jumu’ah prayer early important because they ordinarily get late to the Masjid for other prayers (with no valid excuse), and this is exactly the cause of their lateness (to Jumu’ah prayer too). Some even argue that, isn’t it to just meet part of the prayer? Then, let’s ask them: What about standing in the first row and saying the first Takbīr (as the Imām says his)? No doubt, their argument is exhibiting their habit of not considering prayer to be important. Indeed, going early for prayer requires serious training and concentration. After all, we pay attention to our worldly affairs.
I beseech Allah to grant us understanding. (Aameen)
