The Book of Friday Prayer (33)

The fundamental basis for the obligation of the Friday prayer is the Book [of Allah], the Sunnah, and the consensus (ijma'). As for the Book, it is the saying of the Almighty: "O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade" (34). He commanded the proceeding (sa'y), and the implication (35) of the command is obligation, and the proceeding is not obligatory except toward something that is obligatory (36). He also forbade trade so that one would not be occupied with it instead of [the prayer]. If it were not obligatory, He would not have forbidden trade for its sake. The meaning of "proceeding" (sa'y) here is to go to it, not to hasten; for "proceeding" in the Book of Allah does not intend running. Allah the Almighty says: "But as for he who came to you striving [ya'sa]" (37). And He says: "And strives [wa sa'a] for it with due effort" (38). And He says: "Striving [sa'a] upon the earth to cause corruption therein" (39). And He says: "And they strive [wa yas'awna] upon the earth [to cause] corruption" (40). In these and similar instances, none of them intended running. It has been narrated from Umar that he used to recite it as: "Then proceed to the remembrance of Allah." As for the Sunnah, it is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "People must certainly cease to abandon the Friday prayers, or Allah will seal their hearts, and then they will be among the heedless." Agreed upon (42). And from Abu...