Friday prayer in Masjid al-Haram or the Prophet’s Mosque is one of the largest gatherings of the week anywhere in the world. It is beautiful, and it is crowded. A little planning lets you enjoy it instead of fighting for space.
For residents, see our practical guide to Friday in Makkah.
Prepare the way the Sunnah teaches
The usual Friday Sunnah applies here too:
- Take a bath (ghusl) before you leave.
- Wear clean clothes, your best if you can.
- Use perfume, unless you are in ihram. In ihram, perfume is not allowed.
- Read Surah al-Kahf at some point on Friday.
- Send many blessings on the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Go much earlier than you think
On Fridays the mosques fill long before the call to prayer. In busy seasons, the inside can be full hours ahead, and people pray in the courtyards and even the streets around the mosque.
- Plan to leave your room very early. Ask your group leader how early people in your area usually set out.
- Make wudu before you leave. Wudu areas get long lines close to prayer time.
- Bring water and something to read so the waiting time becomes worship, not boredom.
Finding a place
- Follow the staff. They close full areas and send people to open ones. If they direct you elsewhere, go calmly.
- Fill gaps in the rows. Do not leave space beside you when others are looking for a place.
- Do not step over people who are already seated. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against stepping over people’s necks on Friday. Take the nearest open space instead.
- Do not sit in walkways or doorways, even if they look empty now. They will be needed.
- Men and women pray in separate sections. Agree before you arrive where each of you will be and where you will meet afterwards.
During the sermon (khutbah)
The sermon is in Arabic. Even if you do not follow every word, sit quietly and listen. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that even telling someone to be quiet during the khutbah takes away from your reward.
- Put your phone on silent, and do not use it during the sermon.
- Do not talk to the person beside you.
- If you arrive while the sermon has started, sit in the nearest space quietly.
Is Jumu’ah required for travellers?
Scholars differ on whether a traveller must attend Friday prayer, and on how it affects the Dhuhr prayer that day. Most pilgrims attend anyway, because of where they are. If you have a question about your own case, ask the scholar with your group.
Getting out afterwards
The crowd leaving is often harder than the crowd arriving.
- Do not rush for the gate right after the salam. Sit a few minutes, make dhikr, and let the first wave leave.
- Hold children’s hands and keep elderly companions on the inside of your group.
- Go to your agreed meeting point. Do not search for each other in the crowd.
- If anyone is separated, ask mosque staff for help at once.
A Friday to remember
Thousands of people in one row, facing one direction, quiet together. Give it your full attention. It may be the Friday you think about for the rest of your life.
Source: Practical arrangements change. Check the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Nusuk, and mosque notices on the day for current guidance.
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