The Significance of Jumu’ah Prayer
Every Jumu’ah (Friday) at midday, Muslims gather for a Khutbah (sermon) and a congregational prayer. The Jumu’ah prayer is an important aspect of every Muslim’s practice as emphasized in the Qur’an:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوْمِ ٱلْجُمُعَةِ فَٱسْعَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed ˹diligently˺ to the remembrance of Allah and leave off ˹your˺ business. That is best for you, if only you knew. (Qur’an, 62:9)
Congregational prayer holds great significance in the lives of Muslims. Gathering to pray creates strong bonds within the community and the Khutbah serves as a source of guidance and reflection for listeners. For Muslim students, a designated space to pray on campus is not only essential for their spiritual practice, but it also helps create a sense of community and belonging.
History of Jumu’ah with UMMSA
For years, UMMSA has advocated for a dedicated space to accommodate students for Jumu’ah prayers. Currently, the UMMSA facility can only accommodate 250 students while over 800+ attend Jumu’ah prayers across three separate congregations. The lack of adequate space has led to inconvenience and disappointment as many attendees miss the opportunity to pray in congregation.
After persistent efforts, UMMSA secured the UMSU University Center’s Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) to host prayer on Friday, March 14th, 2025. This achievement symbolizes perseverance, unity, and the importance of religious inclusivity on campus. It marks the beginning of a larger effort towards securing a permanent, dedicated Friday prayer space for the growing Muslim community on campus.
Event Details: A Historic Moment for UMMSA
The first Jumu’ah prayer at the MPR commenced at 2:30 PM, with over 600 students and staff in attendance. The prayer and sermon was led by Brother Hossam Elwehishy, former UMMSA Facility Manager. This gathering offered attendees a space to pray in congregation without the worry of crowding or missing on the collective worship experience.
Next Steps: Securing a Permanent Space for Jumu’ah Prayer
While the March 14th prayer was a significant milestone, UMMSA’s advocacy work does not end there. The UMMSA team has arranged a follow-up meeting with the Spiritual Care team and has informed the University of Manitoba Administration about the success of this initiative. Discussions are ongoing with Conference and Catering Services to designate the MPR as a permanent prayer space for future Jumu’ah prayers.
UMMSA remains committed to ensuring that future Jumu’ah prayers are held without any obstacles. The March 14th prayer stands as a testament to the struggles and resilience of UMMSA, paving the way for a more accommodating future for the Muslim community at the University of Manitoba.
