If the month of Ramadan in Bangladesh lasts 29 days this year, today marks the last Friday of the holy month, widely known as Jumu’atul Wida .
On this day, mosques across the country are expected to be filled with large numbers of fasting worshippers attending the weekly Friday prayers. During the sermon, many khatibs formally bid farewell to Ramadan, reminding believers of the spiritual lessons and blessings of the month.
Ramadan is considered a time of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal in Islam. For many Muslims, the approach of the end of the month brings a sense of sadness and reflection, as they prepare to say goodbye to a period marked by fasting, prayer, charity and greater devotion.
Throughout Ramadan, believers engage in increased acts of worship, including daily prayers, recitation of the Quran, giving charity (sadaqah) and paying zakat and fitra to support those in need. The final Friday of the month therefore carries special emotional and spiritual significance.
After the Friday prayers, many worshippers greet one another warmly, strengthening bonds of brotherhood and harmony within the community.
The word “Jumu’a” comes from Arabic and means gathering or assembly. In the Holy Quran, Friday is referred to as “Yawmul Jumu’a,” the day when Muslims gather for congregational prayer.
Before Islam, the day was known as “Yawmul Aruba.” After migrating to Medina, the Prophet Muhammad established Friday as the weekly day of congregational prayer for Muslims.
The Quran instructs believers: “O you who believe! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu’a: 9) Islamic teachings also highlight the importance of attending Friday prayers regularly. According to a narration in Sunan Abu Dawud, the Prophet Muhammad warned that those who deliberately miss three consecutive Friday prayers without valid reason risk having their hearts sealed.
Another well-known narration in Sunan Tirmidhi states that Friday is the best day of the week. It is believed that Prophet Adam was created on this day, entered Paradise on this day, and that the Day of Judgment will also occur on a Friday.
Islamic scholars say Friday prayers encourage unity among believers and strengthen social and spiritual bonds within the Muslim community.
For many Muslims, the final Friday of Ramadan serves as a reminder to seek forgiveness, increase prayers and express gratitude for the opportunity to observe the holy month. Believers also pray for continued blessings, good health and the chance to witness Ramadan again in the coming year.
Author: Mohammed Nurul Absar Taiyobi is a writer, researcher, and Islamic thinker. He is the Founder President of the Expatriate Journalists Association (PRASAS) based in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Research Center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For correspondence, he can be reached at: muntyping@gmail.com
