Friday prayer: what actually happens?

The most important gathering of the week

For many Muslims, Friday prayer is the most important communal gathering of the week. In Arabic it is called Salat al-Jumu'ah, in Turkish Cuma namazı – “Jumu'ah” means something like gathering. The Quran says, in meaning: “O you who believe, when the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of God and leave off trading.” (Surah 62, verse 9)

At the time of the midday prayer

Friday prayer takes place at the time of the midday prayer and takes its place on that day. As the midday prayer time shifts over the year, so does Friday prayer. We show the time for the coming Friday on our home page and on the prayer times page.

The sermon from the minbar

The prayer is preceded by the sermon, the khutbah (Turkish: hutbe). The imam gives it from the minbar – the raised pulpit with the narrow staircase you can see in the photo. It often deals with living together: family, responsibility, mercy, honesty. Then everyone prays together in rows.

Tips for Friday

• Come early: Fridays are busy. If you come early, you find a place more easily – and help keep things calm in front of the building.
• Use public transport: there is hardly any parking in the old town. The Börneplatz stop is about a four-minute walk away.
• Consider the neighbours: after the prayer, please leave quietly and promptly and do not stand around in groups in front of neighbouring houses.