The Significance of Friday

Friday is a significant day for many religions around the world. It is considered as a day of worship, rest, and reflection in different religious traditions. Let’s explore the significance of Friday in some of the major religions.

Islam:

Friday is considered the most significant day of the week in Islam. It is known as Jumu’ah and is considered a holy day. Muslims attend the Friday congregational prayers, known as Jumu’ah prayers, in the mosque. The Friday prayer is led by a religious leader, known as an Imam, and includes a sermon/khutba by Alim.

Christianity:

In Christianity, Friday is significant as the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. It is known as Good Friday and is observed as a day of mourning and reflection. Many Christian denominations hold special services on this day. Good Friday is followed by Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Judaism:

In Judaism, Friday is known as Erev Shabbat or the eve of the Sabbath. It is considered a holy day and is the day when the Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset. Jewish families gather together on Friday evenings to light candles, recite blessings, and share a festive meal. Observant Jews refrain from work and other activities on the Sabbath, which lasts until Saturday evening.

Hinduism:

Friday is significant for Hindus as it is associated with the goddess of love and fertility, Shukra. Many Hindu devotees fast on Fridays and offer prayers to Shukra for blessings of love, fertility, and prosperity. Friday is also considered an auspicious day for performing religious ceremonies and beginning new ventures.

Sikhism:

In Sikhism, Friday is known as Guru’s Day or Guru-ka-vaar. It is a day of special significance for Sikhs, as it is the day when Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, delivered his first sermon. Sikhs gather in gurdwaras on Fridays to recite hymns and listen to the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book).

In conclusion, Friday is a significant day in different religions, representing different aspects of faith and spirituality. It is a day of worship, rest, reflection, and community gathering. The significance of Friday reminds us of the importance of taking time to connect with our beliefs, values, and traditions.

How Do Muslim Across the world celebrate Jummah:

Muslims celebrate Jummah, which is the Arabic word for Friday, in several ways. Jummah is a sacred day for Muslims, and it holds a special place in Islamic culture and tradition. Here are some of the ways Muslims celebrate Jummah:

  1. Attending the Friday Prayer: The most important way Muslims celebrate Jummah is by attending the Friday congregational prayer, which is performed in the mosque. Muslims gather in the mosque for the Friday prayer, which consists of a sermon (khutbah) by alim and two units of congregational prayer (salat)/Jummah Salat-e-Jamaat.
  2. Reciting Surah Al-Kahf/ Duas: Muslims also recite Surah Al-Kahf (the 18th chapter of the Quran) on Friday. It is believed that reciting this Surah on Friday brings blessings and protection from calamities. People also recite Ziyarat-e-Waritha, which is a prayer in honor of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family, particularly Imam Hussain (A.S).
  3. Observing fasting: Some Muslims observe fasting on Friday as it is considered a highly virtuous day to fast. Fasting on Fridays can also be a way of showing gratitude and devotion to Allah.
  4. Seeking forgiveness: Muslims also use Jummah as an opportunity to seek forgiveness and repent for their sins. They do this by engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reading Quran, and making dua (supplication) to Allah.
  5. Spending time with family: After the Friday prayer, it is common for Muslims to spend time with their families and friends. They may share meals, visit each other’s homes, or engage in other social activities.

In conclusion, Jummah is an important day for Muslims, and they celebrate it in various ways. Attending the Friday prayer, reciting Quran, observing fasting, seeking forgiveness, doing charity, and spending time with family are some of the common ways Muslims celebrate Jummah.

Happy Eid-Ul-Fitor

History

According to Muslim tradition, Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad.[12] According to certain traditions, these festivals were initiated in Medina after the migration of Muhammad from Mecca. Anas, a well-known companion of the Islamic prophet, narrated that, when Muhammad arrived in Medina, he found people celebrating two specific days in which they entertained themselves with recreation and merriment. At this, Muhammad remarked that God had fixed two mandatory days of festivity: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.[13]

General rituals

Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. The night on which the moon is sighted is celebrated as Chand Raat. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day.[14] Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country.[15] It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day.[16] As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (Zakat-ul-fitr) before performing the ‘Eid prayer.[17]

Eid prayer and eidgah

Further information: Eid prayers and Eidgah

The Eid prayer is performed by the congregation in an open area such as a field, community center, or mosque.[15] No call to prayer is given for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two units of prayer, with a variable amount of Takbirs and other prayer elements depending on the branch of Islam observed. The Eid prayer is followed by the sermon and then a supplication asking for God’s forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The sermon also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat.[18] The sermon of Eid takes place after the Eid prayer, unlike Friday prayer which comes first before prayer. Some imams believe that listening to the sermon at Eid is optional.[19] After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends, and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers, or rented halls.[15]

Ramadhan Mubarak

<em>Ramadhan Mubarak</em>

Ramadan Mubarak! Meaning “Blessed Ramadan,” this greeting is often shared during the holy month of fasting recognized by Muslims around the world. You might also hear Ramadan Kareem, meaning “Generous Ramadan.” Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. 

This year, the month of Ramadan begins with the sunset on March 10. The Muslim community started with the late-night congregational prayers called “Taraweeh,” and the observation of fasting began before sunrise on March 11. (It continues daily between sunrise and sunset.) The observance culminates on April 10 with Eid al-Fitr, meaning “festival of breaking the fast” in Arabic.

The Dublin Link is lit green and white March 10, showcasing two colors that represent peace for many Muslims. Islam itself is rooted in the Arabic word “Salam,” which also means peace.

Video: We spoke to some of our younger Muslim residents in Dublin to see what the holy month of Ramadan means to them — and their favorite ways to celebrate. Check out the video below.