Introduction
Friday, or Jumu‘ah, is not like any other day of the week. It is the day Allah honored above all others, described by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it. And the Hour will not be established except on Friday.”
(Muslim)
On this day, Muslims gather for the Jumu‘ah prayer, increase their remembrance of Allah, and engage in acts of worship. But Friday is not only about prayers and sermons — it is also about mercy, generosity, and service to others. Among the greatest acts of worship that carry multiplied reward on this blessed day is giving sadaqah, particularly by feeding the hungry and caring for the needy.
In a world where millions go to sleep with empty stomachs, giving food on Jumu‘ah becomes a way to combine spiritual reward with real human impact.
Feeding the Hungry in the Qur’an
Feeding others is not just a recommended good deed; it is a command emphasized throughout the Qur’an. Allah praises the believers who prioritize the needs of others over their own comfort:
“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’”
(Surah Al-Insan, 76:8–9)
This verse teaches two profound lessons:
- Feeding is done out of love — either love of food itself, which they sacrifice, or love of Allah, which drives their generosity.
- True sadaqah is sincere — it is not about recognition or thanks but purely for the pleasure of Allah.
The Qur’an also warns against neglecting the hungry:
“Have you seen the one who denies the religion? That is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage feeding the poor.”
(Surah Al-Ma‘un, 107:1–3)
Here, Allah links faith itself to the act of feeding the poor. Neglecting the hungry is described as a sign of denial of the deen.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Teachings on Feeding Others
The Prophet ﷺ embodied generosity and mercy. Feeding people was among his constant practices:
- “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive.” (Bukhari)
- “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” (Bayhaqi)
- “The best of you are those who feed others.” (Ahmad)
Even when the Prophet ﷺ himself experienced poverty and hunger, he never withheld food from others. He would often share the little he had, teaching his companions that blessings increase when shared.
Why Jumu‘ah Is the Best Day for Sadaqah
While giving charity is beloved on any day, Friday carries unique virtues that make sadaqah especially rewarding.
1. A Day of Multiplication of Deeds
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no day on which the sun rises more beloved to Allah than the day of Jumu‘ah.” (Ibn Majah)
Since deeds are more beloved to Allah on this day, giving sadaqah — particularly feeding the poor — carries greater weight.
2. An Hour of Accepted Du‘a
On Friday, there is a special hour in which all supplications are accepted. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“On (the day of) Friday there is an hour during which, if any Muslim is standing in prayer and asks Allah for something good, He will give it to him.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Imagine giving food in sadaqah and then raising your hands in du‘a during this blessed hour. The combination of good deeds and supplication becomes a gateway to Allah’s mercy.
3. Reviving the Sunnah of Generosity
The Prophet ﷺ increased his acts of worship on Fridays — reciting Surah Al-Kahf, making abundant salawat, and preparing himself with ghusl and cleanliness. Feeding the hungry is another way to honor this day and embody the spirit of generosity he lived by.
Stories of Generosity from the Companions
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ understood the power of sadaqah, particularly feeding the hungry.
- Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) would often roam the streets of Madinah at night to ensure no family went hungry.
- Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) never ate a meal without making sure someone in need shared it with him.
- Uthman ibn Affan (RA), during times of famine, purchased an entire caravan of food and distributed it freely to the people of Madinah.
Their actions remind us that sadaqah was not a side practice — it was central to their faith.
The Spiritual Benefits of Feeding on Jumu‘ah
- Forgiveness of Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Giving food on Friday becomes a way to cleanse the week’s shortcomings. - Protection from Calamities
Sadaqah is a shield against misfortune. Many scholars mention that regular charity protects a person from unseen trials. - Continuous Reward (Sadaqah Jariyah)
If you support ongoing food programs or sustainable projects like community kitchens and wells, the reward continues long after the deed, even in the grave.
Practical Ways to Give Food on Jumu‘ah
1. Support Food Relief Projects
Contribute to organizations providing hot meals, food parcels, or feeding programs for refugees and the poor.
2. Share Meals with Neighbors and Friends
Revive the Sunnah of sharing food, even with those who are not poor. It spreads love and barakah in the community.
3. Prepare Extra Meals on Friday
Cook or buy extra meals and distribute them directly to those in need — workers, the homeless, or struggling families.
4. Sponsor Meals in the Masjid
Providing food for Jumu‘ah attendees or sponsoring community meals allows many to benefit from your sadaqah.
5. Give Fidyah or Kaffarah as Food
For those who cannot fast or need to make expiation, giving food to the poor is one of the prescribed methods — especially meaningful on a Friday.
Feeding in Ramadan vs. Feeding on Jumu‘ah
Feeding people in Ramadan carries immense reward, but Friday is a weekly Eid. Both occasions remind us that feeding the hungry is timeless in Islam. While Ramadan comes once a year, Jumu‘ah comes every week — giving us 52 chances annually to maximize the reward of sadaqah.
Conclusion
Friday is a day of light, mercy, and forgiveness. It is the day when the angels gather at the doors of the masjid, recording the names of those who come early for prayer. It is the day when the hearts of believers are softened by the khutbah, and their du‘as find a special hour of acceptance.
What better way to honor this blessed day than by feeding the hungry? By giving sadaqah in the form of food on Jumu‘ah, you not only ease the suffering of others but also secure barakah and multiplied reward for yourself.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that the best of people are those who feed others. On this Jumu‘ah, let us not only seek blessings for ourselves but also be a source of blessings for others.
Friday blessings are not meant to be kept — they are meant to be shared. And one of the greatest ways to share them is through feeding the needy.
