FRIDAY PRAYER

Friday is a special day.  �On it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from heaven� (1856).

Every ummah was given the Book before the Muslims.  But though Muslims �are the last,� they �shall be the first on the Day of Resurrection.� While the Jews and the Christians observe Saturday and Sunday as their respective days, Muslims were fortunate to have Friday as their day, the day prescribed by Allah Himself for them.  �We were guided aright to Friday, but Allah diverted those who were before us from it� (1863).

An interesting story is reported in this connection.  One Friday, when the Prophet was delivering a sermon, a caravan with merchandise from Syria arrived.  People left the Prophet and flocked toward the caravan.  Then this verse was revealed: �And when they see merchandise or sport, they break away to it and leave you standing� (1877; QurAn 62:11).

author : ram swarup