Allah gives us 4 principles which will allow us to rescue ourselves from the fleeting and drowning nature of this worldly life.

The first 2 principles pertain to our individual development, and the latter 2 pertain to our communal development.

If the people were to reflect upon Surat al-‘Asr, it would be enough for them.

Imam Al-Shafi’i (r)

When such a beautiful exchange occurs every time we stand for prayer, how can we not enjoy it and look forward to it earnestly?

Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) said:

If anyone observes prayer in which he does not recite Umm al-Qur’an (al-Fatiha), It is deficient [he said this three times] and not complete. It was said to Abu Huraira: At times we are behind the Imam. He said: Recite it inwardly, for he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) declare that Allah the Exalted had said: I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. And when he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of judgement, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me. and sometimes He would say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. And when he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.

[Sahih Muslim]

① Attend Friday Prayer with Conviction
It is the command of Allah ﷻ (Al-Quran 62:9). Be in the company of the angels (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim).

② Find Meaning & Inspire
Despite the quality of the khutbah, listen and find meaning to improve yourself. If you are the Khateeb, inspire your community to change.

③ Continuously Develop & Improve
The best day on which the sun rises is Friday (Muslim). Let it be the start of your week of reflection, self-accounting, planning and applying Islam in your life as per the Prophet ﷺ.

④ Seek Reward from Allah ﷻ
Expiation for sins committed from Friday to Friday (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim). For every step you take, the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year will be recorded for you (Sahih al-Tirmidhi & Al-Sunan al-Kubra).