Al-Jumu’ah | The Congregation, Friday
[62:1] All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth proclaim the purity of Allah, the Sovereign, the Supreme in Holiness, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
[62:2] He is the One who raised amidst the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the wisdom, while they were earlier in open error.
[62:3] And (this Messenger is sent also) to others from them who did not join them so far, and He is the All-Mighty, the AllWise.
[62:4] It is Allah‘s bounty that He gives to whomsoever He wills, and Allah is the Lord of the great bounty.
[62:5] The example of those who were ordered to bear (the responsibility of acting upon) the Torah, then they did not bear it, is like a donkey that carries a load of books. Evil is the example of those who have rejected Allah‘s verses. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
[62:6] Say, ‘O you who are Jews, if you claim that you are the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other people, then express your desire for death, if you are true’.
[62:7] And they will never express this desire, because of what their hands have sent ahead. And Allah is fully aware of the wrongdoers.
[62:8] Say, ‘Indeed, the death from which you (try to) run away has to visit you, then you will be sent back to the Knower of the Unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do’.
[62:9] O you who believe, when the call for Salah (prayer) is proclaimed on Friday, hasten for the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is much better for you, if you but know.
[62:10] Then once the Salah is over, disperse in the land, and seek the grace of Allah, and remember Allah abundantly, so that you may be successful.
[62:11] And when they see some merchandise or amusement, they break away to it, and leave you (O prophet,) standing. Say,’What is with Allah is much better than the amusement and the merchandise, and Allah is the best giver of sustenance’.
[62:1] All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth proclaim the purity of Allah, the Sovereign, the Supreme in Holiness, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
[62:2] He is the One who raised amidst the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the wisdom, while they were earlier in open error.
[62:3] And (this Messenger is sent also) to others from them who did not join them so far, and He is the All-Mighty, the AllWise.
[62:4] It is Allah‘s bounty that He gives to whomsoever He wills, and Allah is the Lord of the great bounty.
[62:5] The example of those who were ordered to bear (the responsibility of acting upon) the Torah, then they did not bear it, is like a donkey that carries a load of books. Evil is the example of those who have rejected Allah‘s verses. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
[62:6] Say, ‘O you who are Jews, if you claim that you are the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other people, then express your desire for death, if you are true’.
[62:7] And they will never express this desire, because of what their hands have sent ahead. And Allah is fully aware of the wrongdoers.
[62:8] Say, ‘Indeed, the death from which you (try to) run away has to visit you, then you will be sent back to the Knower of the Unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do’.
[62:9] O you who believe, when the call for Salah (prayer) is proclaimed on Friday, hasten for the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is much better for you, if you but know.
[62:10] Then once the Salah is over, disperse in the land, and seek the grace of Allah, and remember Allah abundantly, so that you may be successful.
[62:11] And when they see some merchandise or amusement, they break away to it, and leave you (O prophet,) standing. Say,’What is with Allah is much better than the amusement and the merchandise, and Allah is the best giver of sustenance’.
Tafsir
Overview of Surah Al-Jumu’ah
- Title and Position: Surah Al-Jumu’ah is the 62nd chapter of the Quran. The title “Al-Jumu’ah” translates to “The Congregation” or “The Friday,” referring to the day of communal prayer (Jumu’ah prayer) in Islam, which is a significant weekly event for Muslims.
- Verses and Structure: This surah contains 11 verses. It is known for its emphasis on the importance of the Friday congregational prayer, the responsibility of Muslims to respond to the call to prayer, and the criticism of those who prioritize worldly matters over religious duties.
- Themes and Messages: Major themes include the blessing of being chosen by God to receive His message, the obligation of Muslims to leave worldly affairs and attend the congregational prayer on Friday, and the reminder of God’s favor upon the believers by sending them a messenger from among themselves.
- Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah Al-Jumu’ah is significant for highlighting the communal aspects of worship in Islam, the importance of prioritizing spiritual obligations, and the role of the Prophet Muhammad in educating and purifying the believers.
Detailed Explanation
- Blessing of Divine Guidance: The surah opens with the declaration of God’s sovereignty and wisdom in creating and managing the universe. It underscores the blessing bestowed upon the believers by being chosen to receive God’s guidance.
- Obligation of the Friday Prayer: It specifically calls on believers to hasten towards the remembrance of God and leave off trade and business when the call to the Friday prayer is made, emphasizing the importance of this weekly act of worship.
- Criticism of Materialism: Surah Al-Jumu’ah criticizes those who are distracted by commerce or entertainment from their religious duties, highlighting the folly of valuing transient worldly gains over spiritual fulfillment.
- Role of the Prophet Muhammad: The surah also reflects on the mercy of God in sending the Prophet Muhammad to guide, educate, and purify the believers, drawing attention to the transformative impact of his prophethood.
- Reminder of Death and Accountability: The concluding verses remind the believers of the inevitable reality of death and the Day of Judgment, urging them to be mindful of their ultimate return to God.
FAQs
- Why is Surah Al-Jumu’ah named after the Friday prayer?
- The surah is named “Al-Jumu’ah” because it specifically addresses the importance of the Friday congregational prayer, a central aspect of worship and community life in Islam.
- How does Surah Al-Jumu’ah emphasize the importance of the Friday prayer?
- It underscores the significance of the Friday prayer by commanding believers to respond promptly to the call to prayer, prioritizing it over all worldly engagements.
- What does the surah say about prioritizing religious duties over worldly matters?
- It warns against the distraction posed by material pursuits and emphasizes that true success lies in heeding God’s call and fulfilling spiritual obligations.
- How does Surah Al-Jumu’ah describe the role of the Prophet Muhammad?
- The surah highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s role in guiding the believers towards truth, imparting divine wisdom, and purifying their hearts and souls, underscoring his central place in the life of a Muslim.
- The surah is named “Al-Jumu’ah” because it specifically addresses the importance of the Friday congregational prayer, a central aspect of worship and community life in Islam.
- It underscores the significance of the Friday prayer by commanding believers to respond promptly to the call to prayer, prioritizing it over all worldly engagements.
- It warns against the distraction posed by material pursuits and emphasizes that true success lies in heeding God’s call and fulfilling spiritual obligations.
- The surah highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s role in guiding the believers towards truth, imparting divine wisdom, and purifying their hearts and souls, underscoring his central place in the life of a Muslim.
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