The 365 · Sunnah · Day 98 · Special Days
Reciting Sūrat al-Jumuʿah and al-Munāfiqūn (or al-Aʿlā and al-Ghāshiyah) in Jumuʿah
The hadith
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقْرَأُ فِي الْجُمُعَةِ بِسُورَةِ الْجُمُعَةِ وَإِذَا جَاءَكَ الْمُنَافِقُونَ
Ibn ʿAbbās reported: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite in the Friday prayer Sūrat al-Jumuʿah (62) and al-Munāfiqūn (63).' (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 877.) Cross-ref the alternative pairing: 'He used to recite al-Aʿlā (87) and al-Ghāshiyah (88) in Jumuʿah and ʿĪd.' (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 878, an-Nuʿmān ibn Bashīr.) Both pairings are sunnah.
Svenska: Ibn ʿAbbās berättade: 'Profeten ﷺ brukade i fredagsbönen recitera Sūrat al-Jumuʿah (62) och al-Munāfiqūn (63).' (Sahih Muslim 877.) Eller al-Aʿlā (87) och al-Ghāshiyah (88).
Sahih Muslim 877, Sahih Muslim 878 (Ibn ʿAbbās, an-Nuʿmān ibn Bashīr)
The story
The Companions noted these specific pairings. They become the operational standard for Jumuʿah-recitation in the Sunnah-following imams. Modern imams who deviate from these (reciting random short surahs) are operationally below the Sunnah standard.
Why it's here
The Prophet ﷺ established two specific surah-pairings for Jumuʿah: (a) al-Jumuʿah + al-Munāfiqūn (themes: the believing community vs the hypocrites); (b) al-Aʿlā + al-Ghāshiyah (themes: glorification of the Most High + the overwhelming Day). Both pairings are structurally weighted: each pair contains a reminder of community-identity and a warning. The imam who recites these is following sunnah; the worshipper who hears them and reflects is structurally aligned.
Try it today
1. As a worshipper: when the imam recites these surahs, recognize the sunnah-pattern and reflect on the meanings. 2. As an imam: alternate between the two pairings to capture both sunnah-patterns. 3. As a worshipper attending a masjid where the imam recites different surahs: gently inform the imam (privately, with respect) about the sunnah-pairings.
In your day
Modern Jumuʿah variation: many imams choose surahs based on convenience or theme. The Prophet's ﷺ specific pairings are operationally easy to follow and structurally meaningful. The believer's role: encourage adherence to the sunnah-pairings.
A reflection to carry
The Prophet's ﷺ Friday recitations: Sūrat al-Jumuʿah and al-Munāfiqūn (Muslim 877), OR al-Aʿlā and al-Ghāshiyah (Muslim 878). Both pairings are sunnah.
Read the longer reflection
Each pair is structurally weighted: contains a reminder of community-identity and a warning. The classical pairings are Prophetic-named patterns; modern imam-deviation (random short surahs) is structurally below the Sunnah standard. Cure as worshipper: when imam recites these, recognize the Sunnah and reflect on meanings. Cure as imam: alternate between the two pairings to capture both sunnah-patterns. Cure as community: gently inform imams privately and respectfully about the sunnah-pairings.
Sources: Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai. The Qur'an and its translation are verified; the scholarship is retold faithfully in our own words and credited to its sources, never reproduced verbatim.
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