Islamiyat · May / June 2025 · Paper 22 · Question 5

Outline how Muslims prepare for Friday (Jum’a) prayers and Eid prayers and describe the special features of these prayers.

Use AO1 Levels of Response.

Both Friday (Jum’a) prayers and Eid prayers are of special importance to Muslims. Worshippers before attending these prayers usually prepare themselves as is recommended. They do this by bathing, cutting their nails, wearing fresh and clean clothes (on Eid they more often wear new clothes) and apply ittar before arriving at the mosque.

The main features of the Friday (Jum’a) prayer are that it falls at the same time as Zuhr / afternoon prayer which it replaces. It is performed in a mosque, if available. It must be performed in congregation led by an imam and cannot be offered individually.

When the time for prayer comes the azaan is called, the imam then facing the worshippers delivers a sermon which it is compulsory to hear and which is an essential part of the prayer.

Two sermons are delivered, one distinguished from the other by a brief pause. At the end of the sermon, prayer (du’a) is said for individuals and the ummah. Finally, after the sermon two fard raka’at are prayed behind the imam. Only the fard raka’at are prayed in congregation.

Before the Eid celebrations Muslims begin the day by offering Eid prayers. These are compulsory for all those for whom Friday congregational prayers are compulsory. They do not replace Fajr prayers, and can only be prayed in congregation.

There is no qada for this prayer and the time for it is from sunrise up until noon. There is no azaan or iqamat for Eid prayers.

Eid prayers are said in the mosque or in an open field (musallah). A khutba is read in Eid prayers. There are two rakaats to be read during which it is recommended to pronounce six extra takbirs in Hanafi jurisprudence. The three takbirs are pronounced after the opening takbir and before the Qur’anic recital in the first rakaat, while during the second rakaat the believer pronounces the other three takbirs after the Qur’anic recital. Worshippers raise their hands during each pronouncement of the extra takbir. It is highly recommended that the takbir on Eid is proclaimed from the time a believer sets off from home for the Eid prayers until reaching the destination where prayer is to be said. Sadaqa tul Fitr is given before Eid prayers to the needy.

Why, for Muslim men, is so much importance given to praying in congregation at a mosque?

Use AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates could say that praying in a mosque is highly recommended especially for Muslim men. There are multiple advantages of praying in a mosque. The reward for praying in congregation is 27 times greater than praying alone.

Every step a believer takes towards the mosque is counted as a charity. In a mosque believers can connect more closely with God as there are no worldly distractions there.

Other than the above individual benefits it could be said that unity and brotherhood between the ummah is established. Important issues can be discussed at mosques.

Candidates may add that God has given women the option of saying their salat at home, as they have responsibilities of running the home and looking after children, whereas for men it is highly recommended to pray at the mosque in congregation.

All valid responses to be credited.