Al-Jumu’ah (Surah 62)
Al-Jumu'ah (Friday Congregation)
Madni SurahIntroduction
This sûrah and the previous one have much in common. Both start by praising Allah. Those among the Jews who harmed Moses (ﷺ), according to the previous sûrah (61:5), are criticized here for not upholding the Torah (verse 5). Since the disciples of Jesus (ﷺ) are commended in the previous sûrah (61:14), the companions of Muḥammad (ﷺ) are honoured in this sûrah (verses 2-4). The Prophet (ﷺ) is foretold by Jesus (ﷺ) in the previous sûrah (61:6) and is presented in this sûrah as Allah’s favour to the believers. Similar to the previous sûrah, some instructions are given to the believers—this time, regarding the Friday congregation (verse 9), which gives this Medinian sûrah its name. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Allah’s Favour to the Believers
1. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth (constantly) glorifies Allah—the King, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise. 2. He is the One Who raised for the illiterate (people) a messenger from among themselves—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom, for indeed they had previously been clearly astray 3. along with others of them who have not yet joined them (in faith). For He is the Almighty, All-Wise. 4. This is the favour of Allah. He grants it to whoever He wills. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.
Surah 62 - Al-Jumu'ah (Friday Congregation) - Verses 1-4
Unutilized Knowledge
5. The example of those who were entrusted with (observing) the Torah but failed to do so, is that of a donkey carrying books. How evil is the example of those who reject Allah’s signs! For Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
Surah 62 - Al-Jumu'ah (Friday Congregation) - Verses 5-5
Challenge to the Israelites
6. Say, (O Prophet,) “O Jews! If you claim to be Allah’s chosen (people) out of all humanity, then wish for death, if what you say is true.” 7. But they will never wish for that because of what their hands have done. And Allah has (perfect) knowledge of the wrongdoers. 8. Say, “The death you are running away from will inevitably come to you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the seen and unseen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”
Surah 62 - Al-Jumu'ah (Friday Congregation) - Verses 6-8
Attending Friday Congregation
9. O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed (diligently) to the remembrance of Allah and leave off (your) business. That is best for you, if only you knew. 10. Once the prayer is over, disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah often so you may be successful.
Surah 62 - Al-Jumu'ah (Friday Congregation) - Verses 9-10
Leaving the Sermon
11. When they saw the fanfare along with the caravan, they (almost all) flocked to it, leaving you (O Prophet) standing (on the pulpit). Say, “What is with Allah is far better than amusement and merchandise. And Allah is the Best Provider.”