Friday is a big deal for Muslims. It’s not just another day of the week – it’s the best day! Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us “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 Day of Resurrection will take place on no day other than Friday” (Muslim) & “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3) But sometimes we forget just how special Friday is. Let’s look at 12 simple things we can do to make the most of this blessed day.
1. Take a Refreshing Bath
It is a good start to your Friday right on a clean body after a bath. Let us not see showers as merely making us feel refreshed, it is something that our Prophet encouraged us to do. He reiterated how people of sane mind are required to take a Bath on Friday. It is one of the good ways that can be used to get you ready for the big day that is coming.
2. Brush Teeth Using Miswak
While you’re washing yourself, don’t forget your teeth too. Use miswak (a stick that is used in cleaning the teeth) if you have any. If not, any of the conventional toothbrushes still work out very well for the regular task it was designed for. Similarly to our greetings, clean teeth will allow you to smile brightly when you meet people at the mosque.
3. Wear Clean Clothes
Put on your nicest clothes for Friday’s prayer. They don’t have to be brand new but wear something clean. Allah loves it when we look our best for prayer. It shows we care about this special time.
4. Smell Nice (But Not Too Strong!)
A little bit of nice perfume is great for Friday. Just make sure it’s not alcohol-based, and don’t put on so much that it bothers others around you. A pleasant scent can put everyone in a good mood.
5. Trim Those Nails
Take a few minutes to cut your nails if they need it. It’s a small thing, but it’s part of keeping ourselves neat. Our Prophet taught us that this is part of our natural good habits.
6. Read Surah Al-Kahf
This special chapter of the Quran is perfect for Fridays. You don’t have to read all of it if you’re short on time. Even the first 10 verses or the last 10 verses are great. The Prophet said that reading this surah on Friday gives us a special light until the next Friday!
7. Send Blessings to the Prophet
Friday is an excellent day to send extra prayers and good wishes to our beloved Prophet Muhammad. He told us that our blessings reach him on this day, even though he’s no longer with us. It’s a beautiful way to connect with him.
8. Make Lots of Dua
The time between the Asr prayer and sunset is extra special on Fridays. Our prayers are more likely to be answered during this time. So take a few moments to ask Allah for whatever you need.
9. Head to the Mosque Early
Making it to the mosque early enough to attend Friday prayer will be advisable. The earlier one gets into the system, the more the number and variety of rewards that one gets to receive. Yes, it is, the same as being first in the line for some great benefits you never thought of.
10. Walk If You Can
If the mosque is nearby or accessible within walking distance, avoid driving to the mosque. When one is going towards the mosque, each step demises a sin and brings a high ranking with Allah. For its essence is exercise and spiritual growth all rolled into one.
11. Find a Seat Without Disturbing Others
When you get to the mosque, don’t try and shuffle your way through people to find the best spot to sit. But that can be quite invasive or even irritating to other people. However, focus on a space and sit where there is a space. It is polite and less stressful for every person involved than the other alternatives.
12. Listen Carefully to the Sermon
If there is a sermon on Friday, you should listen very carefully to the imam. Some of the tips that you should avoid include avoiding talking or even whispering to other people. It is quite a significant time for knowledge enhancement and evaluation. Even if you don’t comprehend all the words, whispering is also effective because the ear takes time to become weary.
By following these simple steps, we can make our Fridays truly special. It’s amazing how small actions can bring such big blessings. So let’s try our best to practice these habits and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful day!