What is the prescribed number of Rak'ahs (units) to pray after the Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
Imam Ahmad permits praying either two or four Rak'ahs after Jumu'ah. The established practice, supported by the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), allows for variation. Evidence supports that praying two Rak'ahs after Jumu'ah is permissible, as narrated by Ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to pray two Rak'ahs afterward, confirmed by Bukhari and Muslim. Furthermore, it is permissible to omit any voluntary prayer between Jumu'ah and Asr prayer if one prays with the Imam, as exemplified by Imran ibn Husayn.
Supporting text
The view held by Ibn Mas'ud, Al-Nakha'i, and the people of opinion (Ashab al-Ra'y) is that four Rak'ahs must be prayed afterward, based on the narration from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Whoever among you prays after Jumu'ah, let him pray four Rak'ahs afterward" (Narrated by Muslim). A different opinion, held by Ali, Abu Musa, 'Ata', Mujahid, Humayd ibn Abd al-Rahman, and Al-Thawri, suggests praying six Rak'ahs, supported by the narration regarding Ibn Umar's practice in Mecca (four) versus Medina (two at home).