Angels with Friday Roll-Books Sitting at the Entrances of Mosques

 

       There are two main reasons why one would want to reach a destination quickly and be as close as possible - either to see a specific person or to receive something valuable. These are the two factors that Allah mentions when referring to the Friday prayer, known as "Salat ul Jummah".

        It is usually the individuals who go to the mosque for the regular prayers, are those who occupy the first row during the Friday congregational prayer (Jummah). However, the way Allah emphasizes the importance of attending Jumuah, even if one is unable to attend other prayers, is truly impactful. Allah's words are "O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave behind your worldly affairs and trade”. This shows the significance of the Friday prayer, attending Jummah is a priority and one should set aside any distractions and focus on worshipping Allah. Ali bin abi talab (RA) also stressed the importance of the Friday prayer, reminding others that on this day, the devils attempt to distract people with worldly things, while angels occupy the entrances of mosques, documenting who arrives early for the prayer.

     The Prophet (Pbuh) stated that the first to arrive at the mosque on Friday are those who come in the first hour between sunrise "alshuruq" and "Jumea". Scholars suggest that this refers to the time between sunrise and when the Imam begins the sermon. The Prophet (Pbuh) compared the reward for coming early to a person who sacrifices a camel for the sake of Allah, and the reward decreases for those who arrive later. The person who comes in the last hour is like one who sacrificed a hen or egg for the sake of Allah. The angels also listen attentively to the Imam's sermon, so it is important to be engaged and attentive during the sermon. The Prophet (Pbuh) used the example of how people would rush to the mosque if material goods were being passed out, to emphasize the importance of not missing the Friday prayer and the rewards associated with coming early.

    The reward from Allah and the order of arrival in Masjid for Jummah prayers has a direct correlation. However, there is something really fascinating pertaining to this. It is a narration from Abn Masud (RA) which he attributed to Abn Taymyh, but he couldn't have said it without the Prophet (Pbuh) teaching it to him. The Prophet (Pbuh) said that in Jannah, every Friday is special and the people of Jannah gather there. This is where they see Allah at least once a week on the day of Friday. Depending on their status in Jannah, some people see Allah more frequently than others, and some people can even see Him twice a day. May Allah grant us the highest level in Jannah.

    When it comes to Fridays in Jannah, the people gather at the Souq Al Jannah, which is a special place. The Prophet (Pbuh) said that Allah addresses all the people of Jannah on the day of Friday. Abn Masud (RA) narrates that those who are closest to Allah and have front row seats on Friday are determined by how quickly they hastened to the Masjid on Friday for Jummah. This means that the closer one is to the Imam when he comes to Jummah, the closer he will be to Allah in Jannah on Friday. It means that it’s all about the time at which one arrived at the Masjid.

       Hence, it is advisable to arrive early and be fully engaged when attending the Masjid on Fridays, as if one were in Jannah and seeking to be in close proximity to Allah. This demonstrates to Allah that the intention is not simply to be recorded in the angels' book on Fridays, but to be as near to Him as feasible. It is this Roll Book of angels that makes reservation for the man in Jannah.