The Green Islamic Foundation

The Hajj began on the 31^st of May 2025. This day corresponded with the fourth day of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH. Millions of Muslims from around the globe are traveling to fulfil this individual obligation that must be performed at least once in a lifetime is one is able financially and physically. This year the day Arafah will take correspond with Thursday, the 05^th of June 2025. Eid Al Adha will take place on the 6th of June 2025 on a Friday. Eid occurring on a Friday raises some interesting concerns for Muslims not traveling abroad. Friday is the day of the congregation (Jumuah). The Jumuah prayer takes the place of the Dhuhr prayer on Fridays. With Eid falling on a Friday, some may question whether the obligation of the Jumuah prayer is lifted. The answer reveals the importance of understanding the science of fiqh and the schools of thought (madhahib) that provide the principles for deriving rulings and the rulings themselves from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, for such questions. To answer such questions, it is important to discover the ruling of the prayers in question. One should ask, what is the legal (shar’i) ruling of the Jumuah prayer and what are the legal rulings of the Eid prayers? The ruling of the Jumuah prayer is that it is a fard ayn. A fard ayn is an individual obligation. This individual obligation accountable to all Muslim men residents on the day of Friday. It is recommended for women to attend the Jumuah prayer, but they are not obliged to do so. The ruling of the Eid prayer is that it is an emphasized sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah) for all Muslim male residents. It is also recommended for women and children to attend the Eid prayer as well. The rulings of the prayer show their importance and prioritization for the Muslim community. However, these rulings were derived from the Sunnah of the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. The explicit narrations about how to proceed in worship when the Eid falls on a Friday indicate various approaches to the issue. In summary, the Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi madhahib share in the opinion that the Eid does not lift the obligation of the Jumuah prayer as these are separate rituals. Therefore, for the one who is obligated to pray the Jumuah prayer cannot use the Eid as an excuse to not attend it. The Hanbali madhhab holds to the opinion that the obligation to attend the Jumuah prayer is waived if the Eid falls on Friday so long as the worshipper prays the Dhuhr prayer. This opinion is also found as a secondary opinion in the Shafi’ madhhab. The question as to what opinion the average Muslim should follow should be simply answered by the worshipper understanding and following the madhhab that he or she utilizes in daily life. Therefore, if someone lives and is educated in a community of practitioners of the Hanafi madhab, then there should be no issue in following the Hanafi school in this issue and likewise for the other schools. For the one who has no madhhab or practices in an area of such diversity in which every school is represented, then one has the choice to choose which of the scholarly opinions that they should follow. In that case it may be best to consult with the Imams of the community so that they can help in making that decision. Generally, when an Eid falls on a Friday, the masjid administration will make an announcement as to what the protocol would be regarding Jumuah prayer. Therefore, one should be comfortable following their religious leadership. Whichever opinion one decides to follow, know that the difference of opinion does not entail a fracture of the Muslim ummah. Rather it highlights the diversity  and leniency in this religion. For further discussion about the Eid falling on a Friday, I would recommend reviewing the following links:

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta | The ruling for Friday Prayer when t…Friday Prayer Remains Obligatory if Eid Falls on a Friday – Faraz Rabbani – SeekersGuidance