The Book of Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1369

Hadith Text

"Whoever misses jumu'ah three times with no cogent excuse, Allah (SWT) will place a seal on his heart."

Meaning and Significance

This hadith emphasizes the grave spiritual consequence of neglecting the Friday prayer without valid Islamic excuse. The "seal on the heart" refers to Allah placing a barrier that prevents spiritual understanding and guidance from entering the heart, leading to spiritual hardness and distance from divine mercy.

Scholarly Commentary

Classical scholars explain that "three times" refers to three consecutive Fridays without valid excuse. Valid excuses include illness, fear for one's safety, extreme weather conditions, or necessary travel. The sealing of the heart is a gradual spiritual punishment where the heart becomes incapable of receiving goodness and guidance.

Imam Nawawi states this sealing manifests as the heart's inability to recognize truth from falsehood and its inclination toward disobedience. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this is among the most severe warnings in Islamic texts regarding prayer negligence.

Legal Ruling

The majority of scholars consider Jumu'ah prayer obligatory for adult, sane, resident Muslim men. Women, travelers, and slaves are exempt. Missing it without valid reason is considered a major sin. The three-time neglect refers to willful abandonment without repentance in between.

Spiritual Lessons

This teaching highlights the collective nature of Islamic worship and the importance of maintaining connection with the Muslim community. Regular Jumu'ah attendance preserves spiritual vitality and protects against heart hardening. The numerical specification shows Allah's mercy in giving multiple opportunities before applying this severe consequence.