In the Name of Allāh.

Are you aware that there are three types of people who attend Jumu’ah? In a Ḥadīth recorded by Imām Abī Dāwūd in his Sunan (no. 1113), the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said that the below three types of people attend the Jumu’ah prayer:

• One is present in a frivolous way and that is all he gets from it (رَجُلٌ حَضَرَهَا يَلْغُو وَهُوَ حَظُّهُ مِنْهَا).

This person seeks nothing but the idle chatter and the distractions of the world. He’s the one who chats on the phone or calls while the Khutbah is on. His presence is a mockery of the sacredness of this day, and he cares not about Allāh’s Mercy and Grace.

• Then, one comes with a supplication, Allāh may grant or refuse his request as He wishes (وَرَجُلٌ حَضَرَهَا يَدْعُو فَهُوَ رَجُلٌ دَعَا اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِنْ شَاءَ أَعْطَاهُ وَإِنْ شَاءَ مَنَعَهُ): 

This person comes hoping to find favor from Allāh, begging for His Mercy and His Blessings. However, Allāh may grant or refuse his request, for He knows best what is in our hearts and our souls.

• And finally, there is the one who attends quietly, silently, without causing harm or disturbance to others such as stepping over a Muslim (وَرَجُلٌ حَضَرَهَا بِإِنْصَاتٍ وَسُكُوتٍ وَلَمْ يَتَخَطَّ رَقَبَةَ مُسْلِمٍ وَلَمْ يُؤْذِ أَحَدًا فَهِيَ كَفَّارَةٌ إِلَى الْجُمُعَةِ الَّتِي تَلِيهَا وَزِيَادَةُ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامٍ):

This person is a shining example of the virtues of knowledge, patience, humility, and respect. For in his presence, Allāh’s Mercy is extended, and his sins are washed away till the next Friday and three days more. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The reason being that Allāh says, “He who does a good deed will have ten times as much.” [Sūrah Al-An’ām (6) verse 160] So, his attending quietly without causing any distractions is praiseworthy, and thus, he’s blessed.

Dear Muslims, let’s heed the counsel of the Prophet (ﷺ) and strive to be like this third category. Indeed, the blessings of Jumu’ah are not to be taken lightly, but rather to be embraced with reverence and gratitude. As we gather today and sit in Allāh’s Houses for Khutbah and stand before the Lord of Majesty Throne for Jumu’ah prayer, let’s not forget that our presence is a symbol of our faith, our devotion, our love for Allāh and His Messenger (ﷺ). It’s also a gift, a blessing, an opportunity to redeem our souls and to obtain the Forgiveness and the Mercy of the Most High.

I beseech Allāh to make His Grace shine upon us, that His Light guides us on the path of righteousness, and that His Love fills our hearts with joy and peace. Aameen.

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