Lagos, Nigeria – June 6, 2025
As Muslims across Nigeria and the world mark Eid al-Adha today, Friday, June 6, 2025, Islamic scholars have clarified a key religious concern: those who join the Eid prayer in congregation are not obligated to attend the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer, though they are still required to observe the regular Dhuhr (midday) prayer if they choose to skip Jumu’ah.
This rare convergence of two major congregational prayers—Eid and Jumu’ah—has sparked widespread questions among worshippers regarding their religious responsibilities.
The Merit Newspaper reports that prominent Islamic scholars, citing authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), have explained that when Eid coincides with Friday, Muslims who attend the Eid prayer are granted a concession to forgo Jumu’ah. However, this concession does not apply to Imams or mosque leaders, who are still obligated to conduct the Friday prayer for those who choose to attend.
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“The Prophet, peace be upon him, allowed the people to return home after the Eid prayer and not return for Jumu’ah, but he personally led the Jumu’ah for those who wished to observe it,” said Sheikh Suleiman Ibrahim Kegbegbe, an Islamic scholar based in Lagos and Ibadan.
He further clarified: “This ruling allows flexibility, not neglect. Any Muslim who skips Jumu’ah must still perform the Dhuhr prayer in its place.”
This position is rooted in authentic Hadiths reported by Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, and others, and supported by leading scholars such as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
In many Lagos mosques this morning, announcements were made after the Eid prayer to educate worshippers on their options. Still, a significant number of Muslims opted to attend both prayers, viewing it as an opportunity to earn additional spiritual rewards.
Meanwhile, mosques central to communal life, particularly Jumu’ah-designated mosques, confirmed that Friday sermons and prayers would continue as scheduled.
Imam Yusuf Lawal, speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, emphasized: “Jumu’ah should not be abandoned completely. As long as there are attendees, the Imam is required to lead them in prayer.”
In Lagos and other major cities, security personnel and traffic management officials were seen facilitating a smooth transition from Eid celebrations to Friday prayers, ensuring crowd control and safety in busy worship centres.
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As the day unfolds, scholars and community leaders remind Muslims that while the Shari’ah grants certain concessions, the spirit of devotion, gratitude, and unity should remain central to both Eid and Jumu’ah observances.
