The 365 · Sunnah · Day 98 · Special Days
Reciting Sūrat al-Jumuʿah and al-Munāfiqūn (or al-Aʿlā and al-Ghāshiyah) in Jumuʿah
This day is still being reviewed. Its wording, transliterations, and references are being checked before it is final, so please take care with transliterations until then.
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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