by: Nikhat Parveen
Jumu’atul-Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. This day is considered a time of great spiritual significance, as believers gather to pray, reflect, and seek forgiveness before the month of fasting concludes. In Islam, Fridays are given great importance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the Last Hour will take place on no day other than Friday.” (Sahih Muslim 854). Jumu’atul-Wida, the sacred “Friday of farewell,” holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. The name itself holds significance: “Jumu’atul-Wida” translates to “Friday of farewell.” Etymologically, it combines “Juma” (gathering) and “Wida” (farewell). On this day, Muslims gather in mosques and bid adieu to Ramadan. The very name “Jumu’atul-Wida” evokes a sense of solemnity—a farewell to a month of devotion and self-reflection.
While Jumu’atul-Wida holds significant cultural and traditional importance among Muslims worldwide, it’s essential to note that there is no specific mention of its significance or special virtues in the Hadith literature attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The name “Jumu’atul-Wida” itself does not appear in the Hadiths. Instead, its observance and reverence have been established over time through cultural practices and collective traditions within the Muslim community. While the last Friday of Ramadan remains a time for reflection, prayer, and preparation for Eid-ul-Fitr, it’s crucial to differentiate between established religious teachings and cultural observances.
Jumu’atul-Wida, despite lacking explicit mention in Hadith literature, can be understood within the context of cultural and communal practices within the Muslim ummah. While adherence to religious teachings rooted in the Quran and authentic Hadiths is paramount, Muslims also engage in various cultural observances that serve to strengthen communal bonds, instill a sense of identity, and provide opportunities for spiritual reflection. Jumu’atul-Wida, although not mandated by religious texts, has become a cherished tradition among many Muslims, offering a collective moment for prayer, reflection, and preparation for the culmination of Ramadan with Eid-ul-Fitr. It’s celebrated as a time to express gratitude for the blessings of the holy month and to seek forgiveness before its conclusion.
According to Islam, during Ramadan, heaven’s doors swing open wide, while hell’s gates remain firmly shut. Jumu’atul-Wida falls within this sacred period, making it an opportune time for heartfelt supplications. Believers approach Allah with humility, seeking blessings, guidance, and forgiveness. Generosity and compassion define Jumu’atul-Wida. A sect of muslims believe that giving to the poor (zakat) on this day brings blessings that resonate throughout the year. Acts of kindness—whether feeding the hungry, supporting the needy, or extending a helping hand—become pathways to spiritual growth. The act of giving becomes a conduit for divine favour. On this day, worshippers converge for Friday Jumu’ah prayers. The mosques echo with heartfelt invocations, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
This day is a poignant farewell to Ramadan—an entire month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline. Worshippers carry the spirit of Ramadan forward, cherishing the lessons learned. It is seen as the believers’ last opportunity to gather in a month filled with blessings and heightened spirituality. This concept of farewell adds a poignant layer to the day’s observances, encouraging Muslims to reflect on their deeds and seek forgiveness. On this particular day, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their acts of worship, seeking to maximize the benefits of the final hours of Ramadan. The emphasis on prayer, reading the Quran, and charitable acts is in line with the Prophet’s teachings on maximizing one’s devotion during this holy month. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of Jumma (Friday) prayers in several Hadiths. For example, “Whoever neglects three Jumma prayers, neglecting its importance, Allah will place a seal on their heart.” (Abu Dawud 1052). One of the key themes of Jummat-ul-Vida is seeking forgiveness for one’s sins. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The five daily prayers, and from one Jumma to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” (Sahih Muslim 233).
Jummat-ul-Vida presents an ideal time for Muslims to prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. This preparation involves spiritual cleansing, as well as practical preparations for the celebrations. It’s a time of joy and anticipation. This special day offers a chance for spiritual renewal. Muslims are encouraged to use this day to reassess their faith and commitment to Islamic teachings, making resolutions to maintain the heightened level of spirituality experienced during Ramadan. Dua, or supplication, is especially emphasized on Jummat-ul-Vida. A sect of muslims believe that prayers made during this day have a high chance of being accepted, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted.” (Bukhari 893).
The gathering for Jummat-ul-Vida prayers also serves a social function, strengthens community bonds. This social aspect is vital in Islam, which places great emphasis on community support and solidarity. Charity, or Sadaqah, is particularly encouraged on this day. The act of giving, especially in the last days of Ramadan, is seen as a way to purify one’s wealth and earn divine rewards.
Jummat-ul-Vida offers a moment to reflect on the year that has passed and the time spent away from the last Ramadan. It is a time to assess one’s spiritual growth and areas for improvement. Although the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is unknown, the last ten nights of Ramadan are considered the most likely time. Jummat-ul-Vida, falling in this period, is thus a time of heightened spiritual activity and anticipation. This day encourages Muslims to look forward, carrying the lessons and spiritual gains of Ramadan into the rest of the year. It is a reminder that while Ramadan may end, the principles it teaches should be lived throughout the year. It’s a day for Muslims to reassess their faith, reinforce their commitment to Islamic teachings, and ensure that the principles of Ramadan are lived throughout the year. While Jumu’atul-Wida may not be explicitly endorsed in Hadith literature, its observance reflects the richness of Islamic tradition and the unity of the Muslim community. This sacred day provides an invaluable opportunity for believers to gather in prayer, reflection, and anticipation as they bid farewell to the spiritually enriching month of Ramadan. While rooted in cultural practices, Jumu’atul-Wida embodies the enduring values of gratitude, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal that resonate deeply within the hearts of Muslims worldwide.
Author is Life Member of India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi and the Donor Member of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. She can be mailed at nikhatoffice@gmail.com
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