In the Islamic calendar, the month of Rabi’ al-Thani holds special significance for Muslims. Particularly, the first Jumu’ah (Friday) of this month is considered a moment of great mercy, blessings, and an opportunity to attain divine guidance. Jumu’ah itself carries immense importance in Islam as a day of nearness to Allah, forgiveness of sins, and acceptance of righteous deeds.
Example from the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday (Jumu’ah), hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you if you but knew.”
— Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Verse 9
This verse clearly directs us to give priority to worship on Jumu’ah. The first Friday of Rabi’ al-Thani magnifies this importance even further.
The Importance of Jumu’ah in the Light of Hadith
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever devotes himself sincerely to Allah on the day of Jumu’ah, making du’a and performing good deeds until the end of the day, Allah will forgive him.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 898
Jumu’ah is not limited to prayer alone. It is a golden opportunity for sincere supplication, charity, and righteous deeds, through which we may attain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. On this day, we should dedicate ourselves fully to seeking closeness to Allah.
Special Deeds and Supplications for the First Jumu’ah of Rabi’ al-Thani
1. Salat al-Jumu’ah (Friday Prayer)
Obligation: Jumu’ah prayer is fard (compulsory).
Hadith: “Whoever offers the Jumu’ah prayer in congregation and listens attentively to the khutbah, his sins for the entire week will be forgiven.” — Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 881
Practice: Arrive at the mosque on time and listen to the khutbah attentively.
2. Ghusl (Purification Bath) and Cleanliness
Take ghusl, wear clean clothes, use perfume, and prepare for prayer.
Hadith: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 876
Benefit: Physical and spiritual purity, closeness to Allah.
3. Recitation of Qur’an and Du’a
Recite Surah Yaseen and send Salawat (Durood Ibrahim) upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Make sincere du’a for forgiveness, health, strong faith, and success.
4. Charity (Sadaqah)
Help the poor and needy.
Hadith: “Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” — Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1040
Benefit: Blessings and Allah’s pleasure.
5. Voluntary (Nafl) Prayer
Perform 2 rak‘ah voluntary prayer before or after Jumu’ah.
Source: Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1083
Benefit: Purification of the soul and increase in rewards.
6. Sending Salawat and Tasbih
Recite Salawat and Tasbih (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar — 33 times each).
Hadith: Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2997
Benefit: Spiritual peace and nearness to Allah.
7. Night Prayer (Tahajjud)
Wake up at night, pray Tahajjud, and recite Qur’an.
Hadith: Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3456
Benefit: Accepted du’a and spiritual strength.
8. Du’a for the Family
Pray for the well-being, faith, and peace of family members.
Hadith: Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2518
Practice: Make sincere supplications for the guidance and protection of one’s household.
9. Sincerity and Focus
Maintain full concentration during prayer, khutbah, and du’a.
Hadith: “Whoever remembers Allah on Jumu’ah, Allah opens for him the doors of Paradise.” — Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 518
Benefit: Spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.
10. Preparation for Daily Good Deeds
Begin the day with a pure body and heart.
Even small good deeds carry immense reward with Allah.
Dedicate every moment to worship and righteous living.
Conclusion
The first Jumu’ah of Rabi’ al-Thani is not an ordinary day; it is a moment of renewal for the soul and a special opportunity to perform good deeds. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize that prayers, supplications, charity, and voluntary acts performed on this day hold extraordinary value in attaining Allah’s mercy and nearness.
We should strive to keep our hearts mindful and purify our souls, ensuring that every act of worship leads to Allah’s pleasure. The knowledge gained from the khutbah must not remain theoretical but should be put into practice. Special du’a for family is crucial, as their peace and well-being are considered part of our own righteous deeds. Even small acts, like giving charity or showing kindness, are counted as great rewards.
If we follow this guide, the first Jumu’ah of Rabi’ al-Thani will become for us a festival of Allah’s mercy, closeness, and compassion. It will not be just a day, but a milestone in our spiritual development. Through conscious effort and sincere worship, this day can bring abundant blessings and establish a continuous flow of righteous deeds.
