Explained: The Virtues of Attending the First Jumu'ah of Ramadan

The Significance of Jumu'ah (Friday) in Islam

Jumu'ah (Friday) is the most blessed day of the week in Islam, a day when Allah’s mercy descends, sins are forgiven, and duas are accepted. It is the day when Muslims gather in the masjid for the congregational Jumu'ah prayer, fulfilling an obligation set by Allah in the Qur’an:

"O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salah on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you if you but knew."
(Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:9)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized its importance, saying:

"The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created, on it, he entered Paradise, and on it, he was expelled from it."
(Sahih Muslim, Book 7, Hadith 26)

But when Jumu'ah falls during Ramadan, particularly the first Jumu'ah, the blessings and rewards are multiplied even further.

Why Is the First Jumu’ah of Ramadan Special?

The first Jumu'ah of Ramadan combines the virtues of Friday with the blessings of Ramadan, making it an incredible opportunity for believers to seek forgiveness, strengthen their faith, and renew their intentions.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Since Ramadan is already a month of immense mercy, and Friday is a day of forgiveness and blessings, attending Jumu’ah with sincerity and devotion can bring endless rewards and expiation of sins.

Key Reasons the First Jumu’ah of Ramadan is Special:

A Fresh Start – It marks the first sacred Friday of the month, setting the tone for spiritual renewal and dedication.
Multiplied Rewards – Good deeds in Ramadan carry multiplied rewards, and Jumu’ah itself is a day where Allah grants immense blessings.
An Accepted Du’a – The Prophet ﷺ taught that Friday has a special hour when du’as are accepted. In Ramadan, when duas are already powerful—especially before iftar—this time becomes even more precious.
A Time for Sins to Be Forgiven – The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The five daily prayers, from one Jumu'ah to the next, and from Ramadan to Ramadan, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, as long as one avoids major sins."
(Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 448).

The Rewards of Attending Jumu’ah in Ramadan

The rewards of attending Jumu’ah in Ramadan are unlike any other.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"On Friday, the angels stand at the doors of the mosque and write down the names of those who arrive early..."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 13, Hadith 51)

Another hadith states:

"Whoever does ghusl on Friday and goes early to the masjid... for every step he takes, he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyam for one year."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 496)

By attending Jumu'ah in Ramadan, while fasting, making du'a, and engaging in acts of worship, a believer earns enormous rewards and blessings from Allah.

How to Prepare for the First Jumu’ah of Ramadan

To maximise the blessings of this sacred day, follow these Sunnah actions:

Perform Ghusl (Ritual Purification) – The Prophet ﷺ recommended performing ghusl before Jumu'ah for cleanliness and spiritual purification.
Wear Clean and Modest Clothing – It is a Sunnah to wear your best clothes on Jumu’ah as a sign of respect.
Arrive Early at the Masjid – The earlier you arrive, the greater the reward.
Listen Attentively to the Khutbah (Sermon) – The Jumu’ah khutbah is a reminder of faith, offering guidance and wisdom.
Engage in Dhikr and Du’a – Friday has a special hour in which du’as are accepted. Making du’a during this time in Ramadan is even more powerful.
Give Charity (Sadaqah) – The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The best charity is given on the day of Jumu’ah."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Since Ramadan is a month of generosity, giving sadaqah on Jumu’ah multiplies rewards even further.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Opportunity

The first Jumu'ah of Ramadan is a golden opportunity to increase in worship, seek Allah’s mercy, and strengthen our faith. It is a time when the gates of Jannah are open, forgiveness is abundant, and our duas hold extra weight.

By attending this special Friday prayer, we set the foundation for a blessed and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.

May Allah allow us to benefit from this sacred day, accept our prayers, and guide us toward a Ramadan filled with barakah and reward.

Ameen.