The forgotten sanctity of Jumu’ah prayer

By Hatmah Naluggwa Ssekkaaya

Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh.
Last Friday, I attended Jumu’ah prayers at a village masjid in Katale, Entebbe Road. As I sat down, two middle-aged women joined me, arriving late during the khutbah. They seemed to forget they were in a sacred space, engaging in loud conversation as if they were in their home veranda. The masjid speakers were loud, but their chatter was even louder.
I felt uncomfortable, noticing other Muslimahs were also disturbed, casting side glances at the pair. However, the two women were too engrossed in their conversation to notice.
To make matters worse, one of them, seated next to me, pulled out her phone and started playing a video on WhatsApp for the colleague. The volume was high enough for all of us to hear.

At that point, I mustered the courage to politely ask them to refrain from their distracting behaviour. Wallah, it was too much!
I couldn’t help but wonder why some Muslims struggle to sacrifice a few minutes of their time for their Creator. Why bring your phone into the House of Allah? Can’t we put it aside for a moment to worship Him?
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Many Muslims don’t show respect or attention during the khutbah, which is considered the first two rakas of Salatul Jumu’ah.
Let’s remember that Salatul Jumu’ah is a fundamental aspect of our Islamic beliefs and rituals. The Holy Quran and Hadith emphasize the blessings of Jumu’ah Prayer. If a Muslim spends Friday in remembrance and supplication, Allah rewards them abundantly.
May Allah Subuhanahu wa Ta’ala make it easy for us to worship Him with total submission.
Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh.