Surah Al-Jumu'ah (The Congregation, Friday)

Al-Jumu'ah means "The Congregation" or "Friday," named after the Friday congregational prayer discussed near the end of the surah.

Al-Jumu'ah is the 62nd chapter of the Quran, a Medinan surah of 11 ayahs. It opens by declaring that all things glorify God, the Sovereign and Holy, and recalls that He raised up among an unlettered people a messenger to teach them scripture and wisdom. The surah then addresses those entrusted with earlier scripture, using the well-known image of a donkey carrying books to describe knowledge that is not acted upon. Its most famous section gives the surah its name: it calls believers, when the call to the Friday prayer is made, to leave off trade and hasten to the remembrance of God, then to disperse and seek His bounty afterward. It closes by cautioning against being distracted by commerce or amusement from worship, affirming that what is with God is better than any passing gain.

Surah number: 62
Revelation: Medinan
Ayahs: 11
Arabic: الجمعة

Read Surah Al-Jumu'ah online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Glorification of God as Sovereign and Holy
The mission of the Prophet to teach scripture and wisdom
Knowledge that must be lived, not merely carried
The call and etiquette of the Friday congregational prayer
Balancing worship with lawful livelihood
Prioritizing remembrance of God over worldly distraction

Why this surah matters

Al-Jumu'ah is the principal scriptural basis many Muslims cite for the Friday congregational prayer, which gives the day and the surah their shared name. It is one of a group of short Medinan surahs. Many Muslims traditionally recite it during the Friday prayer itself, a practice widely associated with the Prophet's example, though this is a matter of tradition rather than a strict requirement. Its themes of gathering for worship and returning to daily work make it a recurring reference point in discussions of the rhythm of Muslim communal life.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah Al-Jumu'ah Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as Medinan, revealed after the Prophet's migration to Medina, and it addresses the established Muslim community's practice of congregational prayer.

Why is it called Al-Jumu'ah?

The name comes from the Friday (Jumu'ah) congregational prayer that the surah instructs believers to attend when its call is made, leaving aside trade to hasten toward the remembrance of God.

How long is Surah Al-Jumu'ah?

It has 11 ayahs, making it one of the shorter Medinan chapters of the Quran.

Read Surah Al-Jumu'ah

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