Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Jumu?ah. [391] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/424; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/204. This is indicated by the following:
It was narrated from Ibn ?Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr prayer on Fridays Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (This is the Revelation) As-Sajdah 32 and Hal ata ?ala Al-insani hinun min Ad-Dahr? (Has there not come upon man a period of time?) Al-Insan 76, and in Jumu?ah prayer, he would recite Surat Al-Jumu?ah and Al-Munafiqin. [392] Narrated by Muslim, 879. ?
It was narrated from Ad-Dahhak ibn Qays that he wrote to An-Nu?man ibn Bashir, asking him: What did the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) recite on Friday apart from Surat Al-Jumu?ah? He said: He used to recite Hal ataka ? (Has there come to you ?) Al-Ghashiyah 88. [393] Narrated by Muslim, 878.
Virtues and characteristics
It is Sunnah to recite it in the first rak?ah of Jumu?ah prayer.
It was narrated that Ibn Abi Rafi? said: Marwan appointed Abu Hurayrah in charge of Madinah, and went out to Makkah. Abu Hurayrah led us in prayer on Friday, and after Surat Al-Jumu?ah he recited Idha ja?aka? (When the hypocrites come to you, O Muhammad?) Al-Munafiqin 63 in the second rak?ah. I caught up with Abu Hurayrah when he left and said to him: You recited two surahs which ?Ali ibn Abi Talib used to recite in Kufah. Abu Hurayrah said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) reciting them on Fridays. [394] Narrated by Muslim, 877.
We have quoted above the hadith of Ibn ?Abbas and the hadith of An-Nu?man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with them), which says that the Messenger of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, used to recite it in Jumu?ah prayer.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Jumu?ah is Madani; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [395] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn Al-Jawzi, Al-Qurtubi and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/280; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 18/91; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/424.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Mention of the unique honours that Allah has bestowed upon this ummah, one of which is Jumu?ah prayer, and some of the rulings thereon. [396] See: Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr, 3/83; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/205.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Jumu?ah include:
Praise of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,; some examples of the blessings that He bestows upon His slaves, as He sent among them a messenger to purify them, and to teach them the Book and wisdom.
Rebuking and criticising the Jews, because they did not act in accordance with the Book that Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, sent down to guide them and rectify their condition; presenting irrefutable proof against them, and proving false their claim that they are the close friends of Allah.
Calling the believers to uphold Jumu?ah prayer, and warning them against staying away from it; the command to leave that which distracts from it at the time when the prayer is being offered, and rebuking some people who left the prayer.