He heard Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar narrate that while he was on the minbar, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "People should stop neglecting Jumu'ah or Allah will place a seal on their hearts and they will be deemed as being among the negligent."
The Book of Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1370
Hadith Text
"People should stop neglecting Jumu'ah or Allah will place a seal on their hearts and they will be deemed as being among the negligent."
Commentary on the Prohibition
This hadith establishes the grave sin of abandoning the Friday prayer without valid excuse. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered this warning from the minbar, emphasizing its importance through the elevated platform of religious instruction.
The Spiritual Consequence
The sealing of hearts represents the ultimate spiritual punishment - when Allah places a barrier between the servant and guidance. This sealing occurs as a direct result of persistent disobedience and neglect of obligatory acts, particularly the congregational Friday prayer which holds special significance in Islam.
Classification of the Negligent
Being counted among the "negligent" (ghāfilīn) carries both worldly and otherworldly implications. In this world, such individuals lose the spiritual blessings and communal unity of Jumu'ah. In the Hereafter, they face the consequences of willfully abandoning a clear religious obligation established by consensus.
Legal Ruling
The majority of scholars consider Friday prayer obligatory for every adult, sane, male Muslim who is resident and free from valid excuses. Valid excuses include illness, fear of harm, and extreme weather conditions. Women, travelers, and slaves are exempt but may attend if they wish.
Historical Context
The narration through both Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar - two renowned companions known for their precise transmission - strengthens the authenticity and wide circulation of this warning among the early Muslim community.