Jamat ul-Vida or Jumu’atul-Widaa’ is a very special occasion for the Islamic community. Jumu’ah comes from the Arabic word for “gathering” while ‘Widaa‘ means “farewell”. This holy festival is observed year on year on the last Friday in the month of Ramadan before Eid-ul-Fitr. This day is dedicated to the reading of Quran the whole day combined with special prayers and worship of the almighty.
Jummat-al-Wida derived from the word ‘Jamat Ul Vida’ is Good Wishes of the Holy Quran. This day is unique in assuring the blessings of Allah in abundance. For this purpose, the Muslims gather at the mosque and engage themselves in scriptural reading, charity works, poor feeding and helping the needy people. Women may attend, but are not obligated. Usually on this day, special prayers are done at the mosques for the welfare of the whole world. The importance of Jamat-ul-Vida ensues from the word of Prophet Mohammed who had greatly extolled the importance of Fridays. Muslims fill themselves with the belief that the angels listen to them attentively and shower their blessings on them combined with mercy and forgiveness. This festival is celebrated by the individuals by reciting their holy book, special prayers and a lot of social works to seek blessings so usually no Muslim stays at home avoiding the prayers on this day due to the paramount importance attached to the reading of Quran on this holy occasion.
Eid al-Fitr is the holy festival that marks the end of Ramadan and allows Muslims to break the routine of fasting everyday from sunrise to sunset. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the date of Eid al-Fitr is set when a new moon is sighted. On the evening marking the beginning of Eid al-Fitr Muslims will gather at the Mosque for the evening prayer, Salat, and afterwards begin their celebrations with family, friends and food. Eid al-Fitr translates to “festival of breaking of the fast” and it signals the start of Shawwal, the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad and is a time where Muslims give their thanks to Allah and donate money to the poor.
In Islamic history, the month of Ramadan saw the Quran or Koran, the religion’s holy book, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar and is marked by a period of obligatory fasting between sunrise and sunset. All adult Muslims are required to fast unless they are suffering from an illness, travelling, elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding.
This is a joyous times as it is an opportunity for Muslims to thank Allah for the strength he gave to aid their self-control and have been forgiven of their sins. In addition, many Muslims wear traditional clothing, participate in colourful parades, and display their thanks by donating to charity and giving gifts.
