The 12 Virtues of Fridays

In the grand tapestry of existence, it's evident that Allah has ordained special significance for certain moments, places, and entities. From the sun's majestic rise to the cosmic expanse, every aspect of creation serves a distinct purpose. Similarly, Allah has chosen specific times within the week to bestow unique virtues upon, and among these, none radiate more brilliantly than the blessed day of Friday.

1. The Origin of Blessings:

Amid the diverse opinions surrounding the most blessed day, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has laid the debate to rest, highlighting Fridays as the most favored. This distinction stems from the practices of civilizations past, with each designating a different day as their Sabbath.

As narrated in Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection, though the former nations were given the Scriptures before us. Then, this was their day (i.e., Friday) that was prescribed for them, but they differed about it. So Allah gave us the guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect: the Jews’ (holy day is) tomorrow and the Christians’ is the day after tomorrow."

2. A Dedicated Surah:

Within the rich narrative of the Quran, only two days of the week find mention: Saturday and Friday. Yet, it's significant that an entire chapter, Surah al-Jumu‘ah, is named after Friday. This deliberate choice underscores the profound importance of this day within the divine revelation.

In Surah al-Jumu‘ah (62:9), Allah says, "O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew."

3. Allah Swears by Friday:

The Quran, a source of boundless wisdom, contains instances where Allah swears by various elements. Yet, Allah's swearing by Friday within the verses accentuates its exceptional nature. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) expounds on this, confirming Friday's role as a witness to the celestial realm.

In Sahih Tirmidhi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The Promised Day is the Day of Resurrection, and the one witnessed is the Day of 'Arafah, and the witness is Friday. The sun does not rise nor set upon a day that is more virtuous than it. In it, there is an hour in which no believing worshipper makes a supplication to Allah for good, except that Allah answers it for him, and he does not seek Allah’s protection from evil, except that He protects him from it."

4. Tracing Adam's Journey:

Fridays hold a profound connection to the first human, Adam (peace be upon him). A series of pivotal events in Adam's life unfolded on this day - from his creation to his entry into Paradise, acceptance of repentance, descent to Earth, and eventual departure. This deep link renders Fridays a poignant reminder of humanity's origin and ultimate destiny.

In Ibn Majah, it's narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Allah created Adam on a Friday afternoon." This chronology aligns with the hour of acceptance when supplications are answered.

5. The Best Day of the Week:

Among the days that constitute our week, Friday stands resolute as the unrivaled best. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly affirms this fact, urging believers to increase in virtuous deeds during this auspicious window. This clear directive propels us to seize the abundant opportunities that Fridays bring.

Narrated in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. On it, he was made to enter Paradise, on it, he was expelled from it, and the Last Hour will take place on no other day than Friday."

6. A Weekly Eid:

Eids are occasions of celebration, and Fridays also carry an air of festivity for Muslims. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) likens Fridays to a weekly Eid, encouraging Muslims to approach it with a sense of purity and renewal. This intrinsic joy marks Fridays as more than just ordinary days.

In Sunan Ibn Majah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Indeed, this (day of Friday) is a day of Eid (festival) which Allah has made for the Muslims. So whoever comes to the Friday (prayer), let him take a bath, and if he has perfume, let him put some on."

7. The Completion of Islam:

The completion of Islam for the Ummah occurred on a Friday. The divine verse signifying the fulfillment of the religion was revealed on this sacred day. This alignment underlines the profound connection between Islamic teachings and the virtues inherent to Fridays.

In Sahih Bukhari, it's narrated that Tariq ibn Shihab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "A man from the Jews came to 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, 'O Commander of the Believers, if this following verse had been revealed upon us - "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion" [Quran, 5:3] - (then) we would have taken that day as an Eid day.' 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'I know definitely on what day this verse was revealed; it was revealed on the Day of Arafah, on a Friday.'"

8. The Hour of Acceptance:

Tucked within the fabric of Friday is a hidden gem - the hour of acceptance, when supplications are answered by Allah. This special window, as confirmed by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), attests to Allah's boundless generosity and mercy, urging believers to pour forth their supplications during this auspicious time.

In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah, then Allah will definitely meet his demand." The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) became anxious, waiting for the moment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Have I not told you that (the duration of) the Friday (prayer) from the moment the Imam sits down till the prayer is completed is (like the duration of) a blink of an eye?"

9. Protection from the Grave's Trial:

One of the profound virtues of Fridays is the divine protection afforded to those who pass away on this day, shielding them from the trial of the grave.

10. The Day of Judgment and Friday:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly stated that the Last Hour will not occur except on a Friday. This profound connection between Fridays and the Day of Judgment is accentuated by the fact that even celestial elements fear Fridays due to its association with cosmic events.

Narrated in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The Last Hour will not come until the Last Hour comes on a Friday."

11. The Ultimate Reward:

Fridays hold the promise of the ultimate reward - the opportunity to see Allah. This unparalleled honor awaits believers on the Day of Judgment, exemplifying the incredible connection between Fridays and the divine presence.

Narrated in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "You will see your Lord as you see this moon without any doubt or reduction in seeing."

12. Friday: The Master of All Days:

Appropriately deemed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the "master of all days," Fridays stand as a culmination of divine virtues. Its rank even surpasses that of the days of Eid, making it a day for heightened devotion, contemplation, and connection with the Creator.

In Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created. On it, he was made to enter Paradise, on it, he was expelled from it, and the Last Hour will take place on no other day than Friday."

Conclusion:

As we traverse the landscape of time, Fridays emerge as an oasis of blessings, where Allah's mercy and grace flow abundantly. From the inception of humanity to the culmination of history, Fridays weave a narrative of significance, beckoning believers to immerse themselves in prayer, supplication, and virtuous deeds. It's a day that calls us to remember our origins, aspire to our ultimate destiny, and relish the unique connection it fosters with the divine.

As the sun ascends on this sacred day, let us rise in gratitude and anticipation, ready to embrace the blessings Fridays bring. Ameen!