How Many Rakats on Friday: Understanding the Friday Prayer Structure
The Friday prayer, also known as Jumu’ah, holds significant importance in the Islamic faith. It is a communal prayer performed by Muslims every Friday, and it is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. One of the key aspects of the Friday prayer is determining the number of rakats, which refers to the units of prayer performed during the ritual. In this article, we will explore the structure of the Friday prayer and discuss how many rakats are typically performed.
The Structure of the Friday Prayer
The Friday prayer consists of a series of rakats, each of which is a unit of prayer. The number of rakats can vary depending on the denomination of Islam and the specific region. In most Sunni mosques, the Friday prayer consists of four rakats. However, in some Shia mosques, the Friday prayer may consist of five rakats.
The Four Rakats of the Friday Prayer
The four rakats of the Friday prayer are as follows:
1. First Rakat: The first rakat begins with the takbiratul ihram, where the worshipper says “Allahu akbar” (God is great) three times. The worshipper then recites the Fatihah, which is the first chapter of the Quran, followed by two other verses. After that, the worshipper performs the tashahud, which is a short prayer of praise and thanks to Allah.
2. Second Rakat: The second rakat follows the same structure as the first rakat, with the takbiratul ihram, Fatihah, two other verses, and tashahud.
3. Third Rakat: The third rakat begins with the takbiratul ihram, Fatihah, and two other verses. However, the tashahud is omitted in the third rakat. Instead, the worshipper performs a special prayer called the du’a al-khatimah, which is a prayer asking for forgiveness and guidance.
4. Fourth Rakat: The fourth rakat is similar to the third rakat, with the takbiratul ihram, Fatihah, and two other verses. The tashahud is also omitted, and the worshipper performs the du’a al-khatimah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Friday prayer consists of four rakats in most Sunni mosques, while some Shia mosques may perform five rakats. The structure of the Friday prayer is an integral part of the Islamic faith, and understanding the number of rakats helps Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations. By following the prescribed structure and performing the necessary rituals, Muslims can join together in worship and seek guidance from Allah.
