Jumu‘atul-Wida
The last Friday of the month of Ramadan is known as Jumu‘atul-Wida (Farewell Friday). Friday holds special significance in Islam, and the month of Ramadan is itself a month of great importance. Thus, Jumu‘atul-Wida represents the combined virtues of both Friday and Ramadan. Naturally, this day awakens a deeper spiritual fervour among Muslims, and the day of Jumu‘atul-Wida becomes a day filled with even more mercy and blessings than usual.
In the month of Ramadan, the reward for worship is greater than in other months. Similarly, on the day of Friday, the reward for worship is greater than on other days. That is why, when Jumu‘atul-Wida arrives, Muslims perform their worship with more enthusiasm and love—because they believe that on this day, the reward for good deeds will be even greater.
On the day of Jumu‘atul-Wida, many more people observe the fast. Even children who are not yet required to fast also choose to keep a fast on this day. People recite the Quran more than usual. They give more charity than on other days. They try to perform more good deeds than usual. On this day, mosques become completely filled, as the number of worshippers increases significantly.
Jumu‘atul-Wida is essentially a day of worship. But along with that, it also serves to promote social values. Meeting and greeting increases, which improves relationships. The large gatherings in mosques strengthen people’s faith and belief. The rise in charity builds an atmosphere of goodwill. The focus on bathing, cleanliness, and wearing clean or new clothes increases general interest in hygiene and neatness.
The special feature of Jumu‘atul-Wida is that people are both fasting and also attending the Friday prayer. Because of this, special spiritual feelings are created within them. Due to fasting, people are already trying to leave behind material concerns and connect with spirituality. Jumu‘atul-Wida gives them an opportunity to enhance this spirituality. It becomes a chance for more meaningful worship.
Friday is a day of collective worship in Islam. Many aspects are linked to this collective act. For example, cleanliness—as every Muslim pays more attention to cleanliness on this day. Punctuality—because if one does not manage their time from early morning, they may miss reaching the mosque in time. Social service—because when people leave their homes and offices to go to the mosque, they also help the poor and needy on the way.
In addition, the Friday prayer becomes a great means of training in collective behaviour. Everyone stands in straight rows. They follow one imam in the actions of prayer. They sit silently and listen to the sermon. These actions are worship in one sense, and in another sense, they are training for building collective values. They help create unity and harmony within the community. Through this, individual life expands into collective life.
All the features that are special about Friday become even more special on Jumu‘atul-Wida. Jumu‘atul-Wida multiplies all of these qualities many times over.
The importance of Jumu‘atul-Wida lies in the fact that it comes during the days of fasting. Fasting increases a person’s sensitivity and creates seriousness and responsibility in him. It weakens the material side of a person’s nature and strengthens the spiritual side. As a result of fasting, qualities like greed, selfishness, arrogance, and pride decrease. In their place, kindness, humility, and human sympathy grow stronger. When many people carry these heightened feelings in their hearts and gather in the mosque on Jumu‘atul-Wida, they turn personal qualities into collective values. They transform personal acts into collective efforts.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 23 February 1995.
