Over the past few days, the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has been rapidly evolving and causing major changes across communities all over the world. Those who are stuck at home, whether for social distancing or self-quarantine, are relying on online supermarkets for daily supplies as well as eateries that provide delivery services and takeaway options.
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The pandemic has also caused temporary closures of mosques in different countries, which means that activities including congregational and weekly Friday prayers have been put to a halt. As we pray and hope that the situation will get better soon, Muslims can still do their part in performing several sunnahs that are encouraged on Fridays ?
Note: You can refer to the fatwas made by Malaysia and Singapore’s religious authorities on their respective websites. If you’re from elsewhere, make sure to check with your local religious authorities on the situation.
1. Take a bath (ghusl)
While Friday congregational prayers have been temporarily suspended, maintaining personal hygiene is always a good idea especially on this day. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudr reports:
I testify that Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said, ‘Taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and also cleaning of teeth with Siwak and using perfume, if available’. [Sahih Bukhari]
On top of that, oral cleanliness can also be done by brushing your teeth, using liquor-free mouthwash or miswak.
P.S. Keeping good hygiene is one of the 8 ways to boost your immunity system during the coronavirus outbreak.
2. Cut your nails
Abu Hurayrah (R.A.) reported that ‘Five are the demonstrations of fitra (nature/instinct): 1) circumcision, 2) evacuating he hair underneath the navel, 3) trimming the mustache, 4) trimming the nails, and 5) culling the hair under the arms
3. Making dua as much as you can (between Asar and Maghrib)
Though you may not be stepping out to perform your usual Friday prayers, you can still take the opportunity to make plenty of duas. Beyond being a sunnah, it also helps you to maintain your usual Friday routine as much as possible.
With regards to the golden hours on Friday, Ibn Al-Qayyim said that it is found in the time after the Asr prayer and until the Maghrib Adhaan (end of day):
“Friday has twelve hours (or part of it). There is one hour during which if a Muslim asks Allah anything, Allah will give it to him, so find it during the last hour after Asr.” [Abu Dawud & An-Nasai]
4. Read Surah Al-Kahf
The Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.” (Narrated by al-Haakim, Grade Saheeh by al-Albaani)
P.S. Get closer to Allah during this period with these 10 easy ways.
5. Send Durood and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) plentifully
It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (S.A.W) said:
“The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (A.S.) was created; on that day her died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown, and on that day all of the creation will swoon. So send a lot of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said “O Messenger of Allah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?” He said, “Allh has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of Prophets, peace be upon them.” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1407; classes as Saheeh by Ibn al-Qayim
May Allah s.w.t. protect us and our loved ones from harmful diseases and let's pray that the situation will get better, InsyaAllah. In the meantime, take care and stay safe ?