Every Friday, millions of Muslims around the world gather for Jummah prayer, a weekly congregational prayer that holds significant spiritual value. However, many people ask, “How many rakats are in Jummah prayer?” This guide will provide you with a clear understanding of the number of rakats and the Sunnah prayers before and after Jummah to help you perform this essential act of worship correctly.
How Many Rakats in Jummah
| Name of Prayer | Before Fard | Fard | After | Fard | ||
| Sunnah (rakahs) | Fard (rakahs) | Sunnah (rakahs) | Nafl (rakahs) | Wajib (rakahs) | Nafl (rakahs) | |
| Jumuah | 4 | 2 | 4+2 | 2 |
Jummah, or Friday prayer, is a special congregational prayer held every Friday just after noon. Unlike daily prayers, Jummah has additional elements, including a sermon (Khutbah) and specific Sunnah prayers performed before and after the obligatory (fardh) units.
What is a Rakat?
A rakat is a unit of Islamic prayer that includes both recitation and physical movements. Understanding rakats is crucial as they are the building blocks of every prayer in Islam.
Number of Sunnah Rakat Before Jummah
4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah
Before the official start of Jummah prayer, it is recommended to perform 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah rakats. These are voluntary prayers that the Prophet Muhammad sometimes prayed and sometimes left out. While not mandatory, these rakats hold spiritual significance for those who perform them.
2 Fardh in Congregation
Following the 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah, the core of Jummah prayer consists of 2 obligatory (fardh) rakats. These must be prayed in congregation, typically at the mosque, led by an Imam.
Sunnah Rakat After Jummah
4 Sunnah Muakkadah
After completing the 2 fardh rakats, it is recommended to perform 4 Sunnah Muakkadah rakats. Unlike Ghair Muakkadah, these are prayers that the Prophet Muhammad regularly performed and rarely missed.
2 More Sunnah Muakkadah
Following the 4 Sunnah Muakkadah, an additional 2 Sunnah Muakkadah rakats are recommended. They offer an extra layer of spiritual benefit and are a consistent practice of the Prophet Muhammad.
2 Nafl Rakat
Finally, the Jummah prayer can be concluded with 2 Nafl rakats. Nafl prayers are optional and allow for additional personal reflection and devotion. Performing these rakats, though not obligatory, adds to one’s spiritual rewards.
Total Number of Rakats for Jummah
In summary, the Jummah prayer includes a total of 14 rakats:
- 4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah
- 2 Fardh
- 4 Sunnah Muakkadah
- 2 Sunnah Muakkadah
- 2 Nafl
Hadith on Jummah Rakat
Hadith from Abu Hurairah
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said, “If any of you are going to pray after the Friday prayer, then pray four.” (At-Tirmidhi 523). This hadith emphasizes the importance of performing the Sunnah prayers after the main Jummah prayer.
Hadith from A’ishah
Narrated by A’ishah, “Before the noon prayer, he would pray four rak’ahs in my house, then go out and lead the people in prayer, then return to my house and pray two rak’ahs.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1251). This illustrates the regular practice of the Prophet Muhammad regarding the Sunnah prayers surrounding Jummah.
Hadith from Abdullah b. ‘Umar
Abdullah b. ‘Umar stated, “He did not observe (Nafl) prayer after Jumu’a till he went back and observed two rak’ahs in his house.” (Sahih Muslim 882 b). This emphasizes the Prophet’s practice of performing additional prayers at home.
Jummah Prayer Rakats for Ladies
For women, the Jummah prayer can differ slightly:
- If praying at home, women should pray 4 Sunnah, 4 Fardh, and 2 Sunnah, similar to the regular Dhuhr prayer.
- If attending the mosque, they should follow the same sequence as men, praying 4 Sunnah, listening to the Khutbah, and then praying 2 Fardh in congregation, followed by 4 Sunnah and 2 Sunnah as per Hanafi fiqh.
It’s important to note that there are differences in the number of Sunnah rakats as per various schools of Islamic thought (fiqh). Women should follow the practices that align with their specific school.
Why is Jummah Prayer Important?
Weekly Renewal
Jummah prayer serves as a weekly opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and gather as a community. It’s a moment to pause from daily activities and focus solely on spiritual growth.
Sense of Community
Jummah fosters a sense of unity and community among Muslims. Gathering at the mosque allows believers to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their faith.
Spiritual Benefits
Performing the Sunnah and Nafl prayers surrounding Jummah enhances one’s spiritual rewards. It’s a way to demonstrate devotion and follow the practices of the Prophet Muhammad closely.
Common Questions About Jummah Prayer
Can I Pray Jummah at Home?
While the fardh rakats of Jummah should ideally be performed in congregation at a mosque, there are exceptions. In cases of illness or unavoidable circumstances, one can perform the regular Dhuhr prayer at home.
Do I Have to Perform All Sunnah Rakats?
The Sunnah rakats are highly recommended but not obligatory. They offer additional spiritual benefits and following them closely is encouraged, but intentionally skipping them without valid reasons can be blameworthy.
What if I Miss the Khutbah?
If you miss the Khutbah, you should still join the congregation and perform the fardh rakats. Missing the Khutbah does not invalidate the Jummah prayer, but it’s best to attend it as it contains valuable teachings and advice.
Conclusion
Jummah prayer is a significant pillar of Muslim worship, offering numerous spiritual and communal benefits. Understanding the number of rakats and the importance of Sunnah and Nafl prayers helps in performing this weekly ritual correctly. Whether you’re a seasoned worshipper or new to the practices, following these guidelines will enhance your Jummah experience. For further guidance, consider consulting local religious scholars or joining community prayer groups to deepen your understanding and practice.