The Prohibition of Leaving the Masjid During the Friday Khutbah: A Complete Guide to Jumu‘ah Etiquette

Understanding the Importance of Staying in the Masjid During the Friday Sermon

Introduction
The Jumu‘ah (Friday) prayer holds a special place in Islam. It is a weekly congregational prayer that combines both spiritual and social dimensions of worship. Attending the Jumu‘ah prayer and listening to the khutbah (sermon) are obligatory acts for every adult Muslim male who is not excused. The Qur’an and the Sunnah emphasize the importance of attending Jumu‘ah and paying full attention to the sermon, as it is a time of immense reward and spiritual elevation.

In Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah, Allāh ﷻ describes a scenario that occurred during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, emphasizing the seriousness of attending the khutbah and refraining from distractions:

Qur’anic Verse on the Incident

Allāh ﷻ says:

“But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allāh is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allāh is the best of providers.'”
(Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah, 62:11)

Context of Revelation

This verse refers to an incident that occurred in Madīnah during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. While delivering the Friday sermon, a trade caravan arrived in the city, and the sound of drums announcing its arrival reached the masjid. Many attendees, eager to engage in trade, left the Prophet ﷺ standing on the minbar, addressing only a small number of companions who remained.

Allāh ﷻ revealed this verse to reprimand those who prioritized worldly gain over the remembrance of Allāh and to remind them of the eternal reward that lies with Him.

Lessons Derived from the Verse

1. Prohibition of Leaving the Masjid During the Khutbah

It is impermissible to leave the masjid once the Imām begins delivering the khutbah. Leaving the khutbah to engage in trade, social activities, or any form of distraction is a grave error that reflects poor spiritual priorities. This incident serves as a clear warning to the believers:

• Worldly distractions should never take precedence over religious obligations.
• Abandoning the khutbah is an act of disrespect toward the Imām and, more importantly, toward the sanctity of Jumu‘ah.

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of Jumu‘ah and listening to the khutbah attentively. He said:

“When Friday comes, the angels stand at the doors of the masjid, recording who comes first. When the Imām comes out, they close their registers and sit to listen to the reminder.”
(Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Hadīth 929; Sahīh Muslim, Hadīth 850)

2. The Obligation to Attend the Two Khutbahs

Listening to the two khutbahs is an essential part of the Jumu‘ah prayer. The khutbah is not a mere formality; it is a reminder and a call to obedience to Allāh ﷻ. It replaces the two rak‘āt of Ẓuhr prayer on Friday, making it obligatory for the believer to be present and attentive.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever performs ghusl on Friday, then goes to the masjid and prays what is decreed for him, then listens attentively until the Imām finishes, then prays with him, will have all his sins forgiven between that Friday and the next, with three extra days.”
(Sahīh Muslim, Hadīth 857)

This highlights the immense reward of attending Jumu‘ah attentively and listening to the khutbah from beginning to end.

3. Prohibition of Trade During the Call to Jumu‘ah

In the same chapter, Allāh ﷻ states:

“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu‘ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allāh and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
(Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah, 62:9)

This verse clearly prohibits any form of buying, selling, or business transaction once the call to Jumu‘ah has been made. This prohibition serves to ensure that all believers attend the khutbah and Jumu‘ah prayer without distraction.

The scholars derive from this verse that any action—even if permissible outside of Jumu‘ah—that distracts from the khutbah and prayer becomes impermissible during that time. This includes:

• Engaging in conversation during the khutbah.
• Using mobile devices for non-essential purposes.
• Performing non-obligatory acts of worship, such as supererogatory prayers, if they prevent one from listening attentively.

4. The Superiority of the Reward from Allāh

Allāh ﷻ reminds the believers in the verse:

“Say: That which is with Allāh is better than amusement and trade. And Allāh is the best of providers.”
(Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah, 62:11)

This statement underscores a critical principle in Islam: the reward from Allāh far outweighs any worldly gain.

• The believer is encouraged to prioritize acts of worship, especially obligatory ones, over the fleeting benefits of worldly pursuits.
• Trade and business, while permissible, are limited to this world, whereas the reward for obedience to Allāh is eternal.

Allāh ﷻ also reassures the believer that abandoning trade for His sake will not lead to a loss in sustenance. Instead, He is the one who provides from unexpected sources:

“And whoever fears Allāh – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Sūrat al-Ṭalāq, 65:2-3)

Practical Steps to Uphold the Sanctity of Jumu‘ah

1. Arrive Early for Jumu‘ah
   The Prophet ﷺ encouraged arriving early for Jumu‘ah to maximize the reward. He said:

“Whoever comes early to Jumu‘ah, it is as if he sacrificed a camel in charity. The one who comes later is like one who gives a cow, then a ram, then a chicken, then an egg.”
(Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Hadīth 881; Sahīh Muslim, Hadīth 850)

2. Perform Ghusl and Wear Clean Clothes
   The Sunnah emphasizes the importance of performing ghusl, wearing clean clothes, and applying perfume (for men) before attending Jumu‘ah.
3. Refrain from Speaking During the Khutbah
   The Prophet ﷺ said:

“If you say to your companion, ‘Be quiet,’ while the Imām is delivering the khutbah, you have engaged in idle talk.”
(Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Hadīth 934; Sahīh Muslim, Hadīth 851)

4. Focus on the Khutbah
   Listen attentively and reflect on the message being delivered. This is a time for spiritual rejuvenation and learning.

Conclusion

The incident described in Sūrat al-Jumu‘ah serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of prioritizing our obligations to Allāh ﷻ over worldly distractions. Jumu‘ah is not just a weekly gathering but a sacred obligation that requires our full attention and respect. By attending the khutbah, listening attentively, and refraining from distractions, we demonstrate our commitment to the remembrance of Allāh and earn His immense rewards in both this life and the hereafter.

May Allāh grant us the ability to honor the sanctity of Jumu‘ah and make it a source of blessings and spiritual growth. آمين.