Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) says, “Verily, Fridays enjoy rights (incumbent upon people). Therefore, beware of violating Fridays’ sanctity through showing shortcoming in acts of worship; rather, seek nearness to Almighty Allah by means of righteous deeds and abandonment of all forbidden acts.
Certainly, on Fridays, Almighty Allah doubles up the rewards (of good deeds), erases forgivingly punishments (for evildoings), and raises the ranks (of faith).
“This invocation is reported from our master Imam al-Mahdi, peace be upon him. So, if you have to neglect all the post-prayer litanies on Friday, try not to overlook this invocation.”
wa ja`ala ma imtanna bihi `ala `ibadihi fi kifa'in lita'diyati haqqhi
and made that which He has conferred upon His servants enough means for the fulfillment of their duties towards Him;
صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وآلِهِ
salli `ala muhammadin wa alihi
(please) send blessings to Muhammad and his Household,
amantu bisirri ali muhammadin `alayhimu alssalamu wa `alaniyatihim
I believe in the secrets of Muhammad’s progeny, peace be upon them, and in their open affairs
وَظَاهِرِهِمْ وَبَاطِنِهِمْ
wa zahirihim wa batinihim
and in their exoteric and their esoteric affairs.
wa ash-hadu annahum fi `ilmi allahi wa ta`atihi
I bear witness that they, as regarding their knowledge of Allah and their obedience to Him,
كَمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ
ka-muhammadin salla allahu `alayhi wa alihi
are just like Muhammad, peace be upon him and his Household.
It has been also narrated that one who says the following litany three times before the Dawn (Fajr) Prayer on Fridays will have all his sins forgiven even if they are as innumerable as swelling foams:
astaghfiru allaha alladhi la ilaha illa huwa
I pray the forgiveness of Allah save Whom there is no god;
ٱلْحَيُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ
alhayyu alqayyumu
the Ever-living and Ever-subsisting,
وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
wa atubu ilayhi
and I turn in repentance to Him.
In his book of al-`Arus, Shaykh Ja`far ibn Ahmad al-Qummi has recorded that Imam al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said that one who repeats the following litany one hundred times between the Dawn nafila (2 rakat before fajr) and obligatory prayers will be provided with, a house in Paradise:
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ ٱلْعَظيمِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
subhana rabbiya al`azimi wa bihamdihi
All glory be to Allah, the All-great and with the Praising of Him;
اسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّي وَاتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
astaghfiru allaha rabbi wa atubu ilayhi
I pray the forgiveness of Allah, my Lord, and I turn repentant to Him.
In the first unit of the Dawn Prayer, it is recommended to recite Surah al-Jumu`ah (No. 62) and, in the second unit, Surah al-Tawhid (No. 112).
Friday Duas and Acts After Salaat-ul Fajr
Before opening the mouth with any word, it is recommended to say the following prayer after the Dawn (Fajr) Prayer so that all sins committed throughout the week will be forgiven:
allahumma man sallayta `alayhi fasalati `alayhi
O Allah, whosoever You bless, then I invoke Your blessings upon him
وَمَنْ لَعَنْتَ فَلَعْنَتِي عَلَيْهِ
wa man la`anta fala`nati `alayhi
and whosoever You curse, then I invoke Your curse upon him.
This act should be done once a month at least.
It has been also narrated that one who, after the accomplishment of the Dawn Prayer on Fridays, does devotional acts and says supplications and invocations until sunrise will be raised seventy ranks to the Supreme Paradise.
Shaykh al-Tusi has recorded that it is highly recommended to say the following prayer after the Dawn Prayer on Fridays:
wa lam yasrif `anni su'an qattu ahadun siwaka
and none could ever repel evil from me save You.
وَلَسْتُ أَرْجُو لآِخِرَتِي وَدُنْيَايَ
wa lastu arju li-akhirati wa dunyaya wa
I hope for none to stand for me in my affairs of this world and the Next World
وَلاَ لِيَوْمِ فَقْرِي
la liyawmi faqri
and on the day of my poverty,
يَوْمَ يُفْرِدُنِي ٱلنَاسُ فِي حُفْرَتِي
yawma yufriduni alnnasu fi hufrati
when people will leave me alone in my hole (i.e. grave)
وَأُفْضي إِلَيْكَ بِذَنْبِي سِوَاكَ
wa ufdi ilayka bidhanbi siwaka
and I will then confess of my sins before You, except You.
It has been narrated that one who says the following invocation after the Dhuhr and Fajr Prayers on Fridays, as well as other days, will meet Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) before he dies:
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin wa `ajjil farajahum
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad and hasten their Relief.
In addition, it has been narrated that one who repeats the above mentioned invocation one hundred times will have sixty of his requests granted for him — thirty in this worldly life and thirty on the Resurrection Day.
It is recommended to recite Surah al-Rahman (No. 55) after the Fajr Prayer on Fridays and to say,
لَا بِشَيْءٍ مِن آلَاءِكَ رَبِّي اُكَذِّبُ
la bishay'in min ala'ika rabbi ukadhdhibu.
“None of Your favors do I deny,”
wherever the verses, “Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?” are recited.
It is recommended to repeat Surah al-Kafirun (No. 109) ten times before sunrise and then pray Almighty Allah so that all prayers will be answered.
It has been narrated that Imam `Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-`Abidin (peace be upon him) used to repeatedly recite Ayah al-Kursiuntil 'hum feeha khaalidoon
(verse No. 255 of Surah 2al-Baqarah ) from early morning up to midday on Fridays.
When he accomplished the obligatory prayers, he would recite Surah al-Qadr (No. 97) frequently.
General Recommended Acts for the Day of Friday
Ghusl on the Day of Friday and its Dua
It is highly recommended to bathe oneself, ie, to do Ghusl. In fact, this is one of the most confirmed rituals of Fridays. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings upon him and his family) is reported to have instructed Imam `Ali (peace be upon him) by saying, “O `Ali; wash yourself every Friday even if you have to purchase water with your daily provisions and have nothing to eat. Verily, no voluntary act is better than this.”
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is also reported to have said: Whoever washes himself on Fridays and, meanwhile, says the following prayer will be pure all through that week:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ ٱللَّهُ
ash-hadu an la ilaha illa allahu
I bear witness that there is no god except Allah,
وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَريكَ لَهُ
wahdahu la sharika lahu
the One, (there is) no associate with Him;
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
wa ash-hadu anna muhammadan `abduhu wa rasuluhu
and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin waj`alni mina alttawwabina
O Allah, send blessings to Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad,
وَٱجْعَلْنِي مِنَ ٱلتَّوَّابِينَ
waj`alni mina almutatahhirina
and make me of those who turn to You constantly
وَٱجْعَلْنِي مِنَ ٱلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
ash-hadu an la ilaha illa allahu
and those who keep themselves pure and clean.
“Pure” in the aforesaid Hadith stands for purification from sins or acceptance of the deeds, which is thus moral purification.
In any case, it is important not to neglect bathing oneself on Fridays when possible. The recommended time of this bathing is between sunrise and midday. In addition, the nearer to midday the better.
It is recommended to cut the mustache neatly and trim the nails
As has been mentioned in narrations, these acts bring about expansion in sustenance, and security from insanity and leprosy.
On doing that, it is recommended to say the following litany:
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِوَبِٱللَّهِ
bismillahi wa billahi
In the Name of Allah (I begin);and by (the command of) Allah
وَعَلَىٰ سُنَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
wa `ala sunnati muhammadin wa ali muhammad
and according to the tradition of Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad (I do this).
It is also recommended, on cutting the nails, to start with the little finger of the left hand and end with that of the right hand. The same thing is applicable to the nails of the feet. Then, the cut nails should be buried.
It is recommended to apply perfume and put on the best of one’s clothes. It is recommended to give alms, for the rewards are doubled up on Fridays and at Friday nights, as is confirmed by narrations, as one thousand folds as giving alms on other days.
It is recommended to arrange fruits and wholesome meals to the family members so that Fridays will be their days of pleasure.
It is recommended to eat pomegranate before breakfast and to eat seven leaves of endive before midday.
Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The heart of him who eats a pomegranate before breakfast on Fridays will be enlightened for forty days. To eat two pomegranates increases the period of enlightenment to eighty days, and so on. It also dismisses the evil suggestions. Of course, to get rid of Satan’s suggestions is to stop acting disobediently to Almighty Allah; and to stop acting disobediently to Him allows entrance to Paradise.”
In al-Misbah, the author has said that to eat pomegranates on Fridays and at Friday nights has great merits.
It is recommended to dedicate Fridays to learning the religious laws and instructions, not to wandering in others’ gardens, accompanying the vicious and the licentious, speaking about the others’ defects, laughing and guffawing, reciting poetry, and discussing useless subjects as well as similar matters. Disadvantages arisen from such matters are too many to be mentioned.
Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is reported as saying, “Woe to a Muslim who does not dedicate Fridays to learning the affairs of his religion.” It is recommended to repeat one thousand times at least the invocation of blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “For me, no act of worship is more favorable than invoking blessings upon the Prophet and his immaculate Household—may Allah bless them all—on Fridays.”
If there is not enough time to repeat this invocation one thousand times, it must be repeated one hundred times at least so that faces will be brightened on the Judgment Day.
It has been also narrated that to invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his household is equal (in reward) to seventy times of going on Hajj.
It has been also narrated that all sins will be totally forgiven for those who repeat invocations of blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household one hundred times.
Shaykh al-Tusi has recorded that it is highly recommended to recite Surah al-Tawhid, to invoke Almighty Allah’s blessings upon Muhammad and his Household, and to pray for forgiveness each one hundred times after the Fajr Prayer on Fridays.
أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهَ رَبّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
astaghfiru allaha rabbi wa atubu ilayhi
I pray for the forgiveness of Allah—my Lord, and I repent before Him.
It is also highly recommended to recite Surahs al-Nisa' (No. 4), Hud (No. 11), al-Kahf (No. 18), al-Saffat (No. 37), and al-Rahman (No. 55) Surah al-Ahqaf (No. 46) and Surah al-Mu'minun (No. 23).
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is reported as saying that any one who recites Surah al-Ahqaf at Friday nights or on Fridays will not be inflicted by dismays in his worldly life and will be saved from the horrors on the Resurrection Day,
and that any one who recites Surah al-Mu'minun regularly each Friday will come upon a happy end and will be granted an abode in the Supreme Paradise with the Prophets and Messengers of Almighty Allah.
It is recommended to say the ritual Ziyarahs of the Holy Prophet and Imams, peace be upon them all.
It is recommended to visit the tombs of one’s relatives in general and parents in particular. Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) is reported as saying, “Visit the graves of your relatives on Fridays, for they know about those who visit their graves and will be happy for that.”
It is recommended to dye hair with hibiscus, for it saves from leprosy and insanity.
Friday - Day Associated with the Awaited Saviour, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him)
Friday has a relationship with Imam al-Mahdi —may Allah hasten his advent— from several aspects. On Friday, Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) was born and on Friday, his delightful advent shall be. Hence, to expect Relief on Friday should be more intense than other days.
In the Imam's (peace be upon him) Ziyarat on Fridays the following statement is mentioned; 'Today is Friday, which is your day on which your advent is expected to bring about relief to the believers at your hands..'
In fact, Friday has been decided as feast day just because it is the day on which Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) will reappear
in order to purify the entire earth from the filth of polytheism and atheism and from the dirt of acts of disobedience to Almighty Allah and from sins.
It is recommended to say Dua' al-Nudbah Supplication, which is one of the rites to be done on the Four Feast Days (i.e. Eid al-Fitr—the first of Shawwal, Eid al-Adha—the tenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, `Eid al-Ghadir—the eighteenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and Fridays).
Among the recommended acts on Fridays is that one may say the following prayer at midday as is narrated by Muhammad ibn Muslim on the authority of Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him). Yet, the following form of the supplication has been quoted from Shaykh al-Tusi’s famous book entitled Misbah al-Mutahajjid:
لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ ٱللَّهُ
la ilaha illa allahu
There is no god save Allah.
وَٱللَّهُ اكْبَرُ
wallahu akbaru
Allah is the Most Great.
وَسُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ
wa subhana allahi
Glory be to Allah.
اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَداً
alhamdu lillahi alladhi lam yattakhidh waladan
All praise be to Allah Who has not taken to Himself a son
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي ٱلْمُلْكِ
wa lam yakun lahu sharikun fi almulki
nor has He had any partner in sovereignty
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ ٱلذُّلِّ
wa lam yakun lahu waliyyun mina aldhdhulli
nor does He need any to protect Him from humiliation,
وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيـراً
wa kabbirhu takbiran
and magnify Him for His greatness and glory.
You may then say the following:
يَا سَابِغَ ٱلنِّعَمِ
ya sabigha alnni`ami
O Conferrer of boon amply!
يَا دَافِعَ ٱلنِّقَمِ
ya dafi`a alnniqami
O Repeller of troubles!
يَا بَارِئَ ٱلنَّسَمِ
ya bari'a alnnasami
O Maker of souls!
يَا عَلِيَّ ٱلْهِمَمِ
ya `aliyya alhimami
O Sublime in determinations!
يَا مُغْشِيَ ٱلظُّلَمِ
ya mughshiya alzzulami
O Coverer [of daylight] with darkness!
يَا ذَا ٱلْجُودِ وَٱلْكَرَمِ
ya dhaljudi walkarami
O Lord of magnanimity and nobility!
يَا كَاشِفَ ٱلضُّرِّ وَٱلأَلَمِ
ya kashifa alddurri wal-alami
O Remover of harm and pains!
يَا مُؤْنِسَ ٱلْمُسْتَوْحِشِينَ فِي ٱلظُّلَمِ
ya mu'nisa almustawhishina fi alzzulami
O Entertainer of those lonely in darkness!
يَا عَالِماً لاَ يُعَلَّمُ
ya `aliman la yu`allamu
O All-knowing Who never needs teaching!
صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
(Please) send blessings to Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad
وَٱفْعَلْ بِي مَا أَنْتَ أَهْلُهُ
waf`al bi ma anta ahluhu
and do to me all that which befits You.
يَا مَنِ ٱسْمُهُ دَوَاءٌ
ya man ismuhu dawa'un
O He Whose Name is remedy,
وَذِكْرُهُ شِفَاءٌ
wa dhikruhu shifa'un
the remembrance of Whom is cure,
وَطَاعَتُهُ غَنَاءٌ
wa ta`atuhu ghana'un
and the obedience to Whom is sufficiency,
إِرْحَمْ مَنْ رَاْسُ مَالِهِ ٱلرَّجَاءُ
irham man ra'su malihi alrraja'u
(please) have mercy upon him whose wealth is only hope [for You]
وَسِلاَحُهُ ٱلْبُكَاءُ
wa silahuhu albuka'u
and whose weapon is only weeping.
سُبْحَانَكَ لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
subhanaka la ilaha illa anta
Glory be to You. There is no god save You.
يَا حَنَّانُ يَا مَنَّانُ
ya hannanu ya mannanu
O All-tender, O All-Bestower,
يَا بَدِيعَ ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ
ya badi`a alssamawati wal-ardi
O Fashioner of the heavens and the earth,
يَا ذَا ٱلْجَلاَلِ وَٱلإِكْرَامِ
ya dhaljalali wal-ikrami
O Lord of majesty and honor.
It is recommended to recite Surah al-Jumu`ah (No. 62) and Surah al-Munafiqun (No. 63) in the Dhuhr (noon) Prayer on Fridays and to recite Surah al-Jumu`ah and Surah al-Tawhid in the `Asr (afternoon) Prayer.
Shaykh al-Saduq has narrated that Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory upon all believers who claim being adherents (Shi`ah) to us (i.e. to the Ahl al-Bayt) to recite Surah al-Jumu`ah and Surah al-A`la (No. 78) in the obligatory prayers at Friday nights and to recite Surah al-Jumu`ah and Surah al-Munafiqun in the Zuhr Prayer on Fridays.
One who does so will be regarded as following the example of the Holy Messenger, peace be upon him and his Household, and Almighty Allah will award him Paradise.
Friday Surahs and Duas After Salaat-ul Dhuhr
With reference to the post-prayer litanies in general and the supplications to be said after the Friday Zuhr Prayer, Shaykh al-Tusi has quoted Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) as saying: Whoever recites on Friday after the concluding part of the Dhuhr Prayer the following parts of the Holy Qur'an, will be under the divine protection all over the week:
(1) Surah al-Fatihah seven times, (2) Surah al-Nas seven times, (3) Surah al-Falaq seven times, (4) Surah al-Tawhid seven times, (5) Surah al-Kafirun seven times, (6) the last two verses of Surah al-Tawbah (No. 9), (7) the final verses of Surah al-Hashr, and (8) the final verses of Surah Aal-`Imran.
Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is also reported to have said: If one says the following supplicatory prayer after the Fajr Prayer or the Dhuhr Prayer, no sin will be recorded against him for a whole year:
اَللَّهُمَّ ٱجْعَلْ صَلاَتَكَ
allahumma ij`al salawatika
O Allah, (please do) let Your blessings
وَصَلاَةَ مَلاَئكَتِكَ وَرُسُلِكَ
wa salata mala'ikatika wa rusulika
and the blessings of Your angels and Messengers
عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
`ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
be on Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad.
Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is also reported to have said: If one says the following supplicatory prayer after the Fajr Prayer or the Dhuhr Prayer (on Fridays), he will not die before he catches the age of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him):
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin wa `ajjil farajahum
O Allah, send blessings to Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad and hasten their Relief.
The earlier supplication also brings about security from misfortunes up to the next Friday if it is repeated three times after the Friday Zuhr Prayer.
It has been also narrated that one who invokes Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household, peace be upon them, between the two obligatory Dhuhr and `Asr prayers will have the reward of offering a seventy-unit prayer.
It is recommended to say the following two supplications of al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah al-Kamilah:
allahumma hadha yawmun mubarakun maymunun…
O Allah, this is a blessed and fortunate day…
Then, supplicate as seems proper to you and invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household one thousand times. Thus was Imam Zayn al-`Abidin (peace be upon him) used to doing.
Friday 2 Rakat Salat, after Salaat-ul Dhuhr
In his book of Misbah al-Mutahajjid, Shaykh al-Tusi says that the Holy Imams, peace be upon them, are reported to have said: When one offers, after the obligatory Dhuhr Prayer on Fridays, a two-unit prayer reciting in each unit Surah al-Fatihah once and repeating Surah al-Tawhid seven times and after accomplishment says the following prayer, one will be saved against all misfortunes and seditious matters up to the next Friday, and will be joined with Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his Household, and Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him:
اَللَّهُمَّ ٱجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ
allahumma ij`alni min ahli aljannati
O Allah, include me with the inhabitants of Paradise
ٱلَّتِي حَشُوهَا ٱلْبَرَكَةُ
allati hashwuha albarakatu
whose stuffing is blessing
وَعُمَّارُهَا ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةُ
wa `ummaruha almala'ikatu
and whose constructors are the angels
مَعَ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ
ma`a nabiyyina muhammadin
with our Prophet Muhammad,
صَلَّىٰ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ
salla allahu `alayhi wa alihi
peace of Allah be upon him and his Household,
وَأَبِينَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلاَمُ
wa abina ibrahima `alayhi alssalamu
and our father Abraham, peace be upon him.
Commenting on this supplication, Shaykh al-Tusi instructs that one who is not from the Holy Prophet’s offspring should say, “his father (abihi)” instead of “our father (abina).”
Friday Duas after Salaat-ul 'Asr
It has been narrated that the best hours of Fridays are these coming after the `Asr Prayer.
Accordingly, it is recommended to repeat the following invocation one hundred times at that time:
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin wa `ajjil farajahum
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad and hasten their Relief.
Adding to this, Shaykh al-Tusi says that it is recommended to repeat the following invocation one hundred times at that time:
صَلَوَاتُ اللّهِ وَملاَئِكَتِهِ
salawatu allahi wa mala'ikatihi
The blessings of Allah, His angels,
وَأَنْبِيَائِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ
wa anbiya'ihi wa rusulihi
His prophets, His messengers,
وَجَميعِ خَلْقِهِ
wa jami`i khalqihi
and all of His creatures
عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
`ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
be upon Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad.
وَٱلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَيْهِمْ
walssalamu `alayhi wa `alayhim
And peace be upon him and upon them
وَعَلَىٰ أَرْوَاحِهِمْ وَأَجْسَادِهِمْ
wa `ala arwahihim wa ajsadihim
and upon their souls and bodies.
وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu
So be Allah’s mercy and blessings.
The reverent scholar, Ibn Idris, has quoted in his book entitled al-Sara'ir that it has been recorded in the book of Jami` complied by al-Bizaniti on the authority of Abu-Basir that Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said: To invoke Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the Prophet and his Household in the time between the Dhuhr and `Asr Prayers (on Fridays) is equal (in reward) to seventy times of Hajj Pilgrimage. Moreover, one who says the following invocation after the `Asr Prayer on Fridays will be awarded the reward of the righteous deeds of all men and jinn on that day:
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad—
ٱلأَوْصِيَاءِ ٱلْمَرْضِيِّينَ
al-awsiya'i almardiyyina
the Successors and the pleased—
بِأَفْضَلِ صَلَوَاتِكَ
bi-afdali salawatika
with the best of Your blessings,
وَبَارِكْ عَلَيْهِمْ
wa barik `alayhim
and confer upon them
بِأَفْضَلِ بَرَكَاتِكَ
bi-afdali barakatika
with the best of your favors.
وَٱلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْهِمْ
wa alssalamu `alayhim
And peace be upon them
وَعَلَىٰ أَرْوَاحِهِمْ وَأَجْسَادِهِمْ
wa `ala arwahihim wa ajsadihim
and upon their souls and bodies;
وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu
and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon them.
Books of master scholars of Hadith have authentically narrated great rewards for saying this invocation. However, it is better to repeat it seven times and even ten times. In this respect, Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is reported as saying: One who repeats this invocation ten times immediately after the `Asr Prayer on Fridays will receive the blessings of the angels up to the next Friday and the very hour. The Imam (peace be upon him) is also reported as saying: When you offer the `Asr Prayer on Friday, repeat this invocation afterward seven times.
In al-Kafi, Shaykh al-Kulayni has narrated the following: When you accomplish the `Asr Prayer on Friday, say the following invocation, for if one says it at that time, Almighty Allah will record for him one hundred thousand rewards, erase one hundred thousand of his evildoings, grant him one hundred thousand requests, and elevate him one hundred thousand ranks:
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad
ٱلأَوْصِيَاءِ ٱلْمَرْضِيِّينَ
al-awsya'i almardiyyina
the Successors and the pleased
بِأَفْضَلِ صَلَوَاتِكَ
bi-afdali salawatika
with the best of Your blessings,
وَبَارِكْ عَلَيْهِمْ
wa barik `alayhim
and confer upon them
بِأَفْضَلِ بَرَكَاتِكَ
bi-afdali barakatika
with the best of your favors.
وَٱلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَيْهِمْ
wa alssalamu `alayhi wa `alayhim
And peace be upon him and them
وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu
and Allah’s mercy and blessings be also upon them.
He adds that if one repeats the same invocation seven times, Almighty Allah will give him rewards as many as His servants, accept his deeds on that day, and place light between his eyes on the Resurrection Day.
It is recommended to repeat this prayer seventy times after the `Asr Prayer so that sins will be forgiven:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
astaghfiru allaha wa atubu ilayhi
I pray the forgiveness of Allah and I repent before Him.
It is recommended to recite Surah al-Qadr (No. 97) one hundred times. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) is reported as saying: On Fridays, Almighty Allah has one thousand gifts of mercy. He grants a servant whatever number He wills. Thus, He grants the servant who recites Surah al-Qadr one hundred times after the `Asr Prayer on Fridays all these gifts and their like.
Shaykh al-Tusi has mentioned that the last hour of Friday, which lasts to sunset, is the hour in which prayers are responded.
Therefore, it is required to pray to Almighty Allah insistently at that hour. It has been also narrated that this hour begins when half of the sun disk sets and the other half only remains visible.
Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (peace be upon her), used to pray to Almighty Allah at this hour so that her prayers be answered. It is also recommended to say the following litany that is reported from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his Household):
سُبْحَانَكَ لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
subhanaka la ilaha illa anta
Glory be to You! There is no god save You!
يَا حَنَّانُ يَا مَنَّانُ
ya hannanu ya mannanu
O All-tender! O All-bestower!
يَا بَدِيعَ ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ
ya badi`a alssamawati wal-ardi
O Fashioner of the heavens and the earth!
يَا ذَا ٱلْجَلاَلِ وَٱلإكْرَامِ
ya dhaljalali wal-ikrami
O Lord of Majesty and Honor.
Friday Dua of Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
bismillahi alrrahmani alrrahimi
In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.
wa anna muhammadan salla allahu `alayhi wa alihi `abduka wa rasuluka
and that Muhammad, Allah bless him and his Household, is Your servant and Your messenger;
أَدَّىٰ مَا حَمَّلْتَهُ إِلَىٰ ٱلْعِبَادِ
adda ma hammaltahu ila al`ibadi
he delivered to the servants that with which You charged him,
wa anta ya mawlaya karimun min awladi alkirami
and you, my master, are generous and the descendant of the generous people,
وَمَاْمُورٌ بِٱلضِّيَافَةِ وَٱلإِجَارَةِ
wa ma'murun bilddiyafati wal-ijarati
and you are commanded to receive your guests and neighbors hospitably;
فَأَضِفْنِي وَأَجِرْنِي
fa-adifni wa ajirni
so, receive me as your guest and neighbor.
صَلَوَاتُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ
salawatu allahi `alayka
May Allah’s blessings be upon you
وَعَلىٰ أَهْلِ بَيْتِكَ ٱلطَّاهِرينَ
wa `ala ahli baytika alttahirina
and upon your Household, the immaculate.
Salaats on Fridays
Many other optional prayers are reported to be offered on Fridays. Although the majority of these prayers are not dedicated to Fridays, it is highly recommended to offer them on Fridays.
One of these prayers is al-Salat al-Kamilah (The Perfect Prayer) that has been mentioned by many master scholars through numerous authentic series of reporters from Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) on the authority of his honorable fathers on the authority of the Holy Prophet—Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all.
In this connection, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) is reported to have said: As for any one who, before midday on Fridays, offers a four-unit prayer and recites the following in each unit: (1) Surah al-Fatihah ten times, (2) Surah al-Nas (No. 114) ten times, (3) Surah al-Falaq (No. 113) ten times, (4) Surah al-Tawhid (No. 112) ten times, (5) Surah al-Kafirun (No. 109) ten times, (6) Ayah al-Kursi (2:155) ten times, [And, according to another narration, (7) Surah al-Qadr (No. 97) ten times, (8) Ayat Shahidallah (3:18-19) ten times,] and, after the accomplishment of the prayer,
(1) repeats the following statement one hundred times:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهَ
astaghfiru allaha
I implore for Allah’s forgiveness.
(2) Repeats the following litany one hundred times:
سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ
subhana allahi
All glory be to Allah;
وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ
walhamdu lillahi
all praise be to Allah;
وَلاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ ٱللَّهُ
wa la ilaha illa allahu
there is no god save Allah;
wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi al`aliyyi al`azimi
and there is no power and no might save with Allah, the All-high, the All-Great.
(3) repeats the following invocation one hundred times:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin
O Allah, (please) bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad
As for him who offers this prayer, Almighty Allah will save him from the evils of the inhabitants of the heavens, the inhabitants of the earth, the devil, and all unjust rulers.
Another Prayer
It has been narrated on the authority of al-Harith al-Hamadani that Imam `Ali Amir al-Mu'minin (peace be upon him) said: If possible, offer on Fridays ten units of prayer with perfect genuflection (ruku`) and prostration (sujud) repeating the following litany one hundred times between each couple (i.e. two) of units:
سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
subhana allahi wa bihamdihi
All glory be to Allah and with the Praising of Him
To offer this prayer brings about a great reward.
A Third Prayer
It has been authentically narrated that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “One who recites Surahs Ibrahim (No. 14) and al-Hijr (No. 15) altogether in a two-unit prayer on Fridays will be saved from poverty, insanity, and misfortunes forever.”