Step by step

What to do when you miss Jumu'ah

What to pray when Jumu'ah has been missed, and who is excused from it.

1
Pray Zuhr instead
If the Jumu'ah prayer has finished, pray the four rak'ahs of Zuhr. Jumu'ah itself is not made up.
2
If you joined late
If you joined the imam at any point before his salam, even in the last sitting, complete the prayer as two rak'ahs of Jumu'ah.
3
Know who is excused
Jumu'ah is required of adult, resident, healthy men. Women, travellers, the sick and those caring for the sick are excused and pray Zuhr; if they attend Jumu'ah it counts.
4
If it was missed without excuse
Missing Jumu'ah without a valid reason is a serious sin. Pray Zuhr, repent sincerely, and plan your Fridays so it does not happen again.

Questions

Common questions

Can I pray Jumu'ah at home?

No. Jumu'ah needs a congregation with a khutbah. At home you pray Zuhr.

Do I pray the sunnah before Jumu'ah?

In the Hanafi school, four rak'ahs of sunnah before Jumu'ah and four after are stressed Sunnah.

I have work on Friday. What can I do?

Ask for a break at Jumu'ah time; many employers allow it. If you truly cannot attend, pray Zuhr, and keep trying to arrange it.

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