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History |
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All Muslims pray five times everyday, but Friday has a special importance because it is outlined as the day of congregation in the Quran. During the midday prayer, Muslims attend prayer in a Mosque which includes a sermon. Only men are required to attend Friday prayer, however in most countries women also attend if they are able. In most Mosques around the world, men and women have separate spaces to pray, or if they are in the same room, women will go behind the men.
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Ghusl |
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The ghusl is a purifying ritual during which Muslims wash their bodies in pure water and recite a statement of intent. Muslims perform the ghusl before entering the Mosque for Friday Prayer because they are not allowed to enter a Mosque or participate in daily prayer if they are impure. The process of the ghusl is as follows:
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Tradition |
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Many Muslim majority countries consider Friday part of the weekend and Sunday a workday. In countries where people have the day off, families spend time together and relax on Fridays. Some countries have loudspeakers that announce the calls to prayer, and many places also publicly broadcast sermons so that as many people as possible can hear and experience the prayers. In countries like the United States, workers may have to specifically request time off in order to go to the Mosque on Friday. Some businesses will allow employees to organize their own Friday prayer on site.
Check out these videos about the importance of Friday prayer and some examples!
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Sources
Aslan, R. (2019, March 19). What is the Significance of Friday Prayers in Islam? Retrieved from The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-significance-of-friday-prayers-in-islam-113702
Britannica, T. E. (1998, July 20). Ghusl. Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghusl
Islam, F. S. (2014). The Muslim's Prayer. Modern Guide.
Rizvi, S. M. (2021). The Ritual and Spiritual Purity. Retrieved from Al-Islam: https://www.al-islam.org/ritual-and-spiritual-purity-sayyid-muhammad-rizvi/iii-ghusl
Britannica, T. E. (1998, July 20). Ghusl. Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ghusl
Islam, F. S. (2014). The Muslim's Prayer. Modern Guide.
Rizvi, S. M. (2021). The Ritual and Spiritual Purity. Retrieved from Al-Islam: https://www.al-islam.org/ritual-and-spiritual-purity-sayyid-muhammad-rizvi/iii-ghusl