Eman Sakina 

"Jummatul Wida" is an important phrase in Islam, particularly in the context of the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the last Friday of Ramadan before Eid-ul-Fitr, which is the festival marking the end of Ramadan. "Jumma" refers to Friday, and "Wida" means farewell or goodbye. So, "Jummatul Wida" essentially means "Farewell Friday" or "Goodbye Friday" in Arabic, indicating the farewell to Ramadan and the anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr. It's a day of special prayers, reflection, and preparation for the upcoming Eid celebrations.

Friday Musings

Here are some key aspects of its significance:

Completion of Ramadan: Jummatul Wida marks the conclusion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the intense spiritual journey that Muslims undertake during this month, characterized by fasting, prayer, reflection, and self-discipline.

Opportunity for Reflection: As the final Friday of Ramadan, Jummatul Wida provides Muslims with a chance to reflect on their experiences and achievements during the month. It is a time for introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings in their worship and behavior throughout Ramadan.

Special Friday Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques on Jummatul Wida to perform the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers, which hold particular significance. The sermon (khutbah) delivered during these prayers often focuses on the themes of gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and preparing for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

Charity and Good Deeds: Just as throughout Ramadan, charity (zakat) and acts of kindness hold great importance on Jummatul Wida. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, especially to ensure that everyone can partake in the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Anticipation of Eid-ul-Fitr: Jummatul Wida serves as a reminder that Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, is imminent. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the joyous celebrations that follow the fasting month.

Friday is a very important day for Muslims. It is more significant and more beneficial than any other day of the week. It is the day that Muslims gather to pray in congregation. Directly before the prayer they listen to a lecture designed to empower them with valuable knowledge about God, and the religion of Islam.

It is a blessed day that has been designated as such by God, Almighty; no other day of the week shares its virtues.

A believer’s entire life is one of worship; even celebrations are conducted as worship. While there is no special place or special time to worship God, there are moments, days, or times that God has made more superior; Friday is one of those times.

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad we learn that: “The best day in the sight of God is Friday, the day of the congregation.” (Al-Bayhaqi)

While it is only men who are obliged to attend the Friday congregational prayer, there are also many acts that men, women, or children can perform during this day. These acts include taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, saying numerous supplications to God, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and reading Chapter 18 of the Quran.

Prophet Muhammad said: There is no day more virtuous than Friday. In it, there is an hour in which no one will pray to God except that God will hear his prayer. (At-Tirmidhi)

Friday consists of 12 hours, one of which is the hour when God grants supplications to believers. This hour is sought during the last hour after Asr (the third prayer in the day). (Abu Dawoud, Al-Nisa’i)

Whoever recites ‘The Cave’ (Chapter 18 of the Qur’an) on Friday, God will give him a light to the next Friday.(Al-Bayhaqi)

The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. It is the day Adam was created. It is the day when Adam entered the Heavenly Gardens, the day when he was expelled from it, and the day he died. Friday is the day on which the Day of Resurrection will take place. (Muslim)

Friday is also the day on which one of the greatest verses in the Quran was revealed:This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion. (Al-Ma’idah, 5:3)

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Believers would be wise to take advantage of the blessings God sends down to His slaves on Friday. This is a day of congregation, a day of celebration, and a day of contemplation and supplication.