The Friday prayer (or Jumu'ah) is a congregational prayer that Muslims hold Fridays just after noon. It replaces the Dhuhr prayer performed on other days of the week and is obligatory for all Muslim men. Muslim women are recommended to perform the prayer in congregation but have the option of performing the Dhuhr prayer privately instead. Anyone who is unable to join a congregation for Jumu'ah is required to make up the prayer with a regular Dhuhr prayer.

This prayer is shorter than the Dhuhr prayer and is preceded by a sermon in two parts (Khutba) delivered by a speaker (Khatib ). The sermon is followed by a communal prayer, led by the prayer leader (Imam). In most cases the Khatib also serves as the Imam.

The sermons often have a strong practical slant, trying to integrate and apply Islamic teaching into daily life. In many Islamic societies, Friday prayers have often a significant community or even political role.

Many Islamic political movements (e.g. Iranian Revolution) have taken their origin and impetus from the communal prayers and sermons. In many Islamic countries the role of a Friday preacher is a powerful and coveted one (see e.g. List of current Iranian Friday prayers Imams). In theocratic countries such as Iran, significant political developments are first announced in Friday sermons.