Friday prayers - Definition and Overview

The Friday prayer is a congregational prayer that Muslims hold Fridays at noon or evening.

While originally part of the regular daily cycle of set prayers, this prayer has a different procedure than regular daily noon prayer and is preceded by one or two sermon(s) (Khutba) delivered by prayer leader (Imam), followed by communal prayer.

The sermons have often a a strong practical slant, trying to integrate and apply Islamic teaching into daily life. In many Islamic societies. Friday prayers have often a significant community or even political role.

Many Islamic political movements (e.g. Iranian Revolution) have taken their origin and impetus from the communal prayers and sermons. In many Islamic countries the role of a Friday preacher is a powerful and coveted one (see e.g. List of current Iranian Friday prayers Imams). Often significant political developments are first announced in Friday sermons (e.g. Iran).

Example Usage of prayers