Title: Why is Friday the Day of Congregation? Question: I am an aspirant Religious Education teacher in Scotland, and I find myself in need of some assistance. I was wondering why the Jum`ah takes place on a Friday. I have read some of your previous writings, but I am still left with the question, 'Why a Friday?' I would be most grateful if you could enlighten me in any way! Yours in grateful anticipation, Answer: It is important to note that the congregation of Friday was not initiated by the Prophet (pbuh). On the contrary, The Arabs observed Friday as a day of congregation even before the advent of the Prophet (pbuh). The old name of Friday was "`aroobah" or "Al-`aroobah" . However, because of the congregation on that day, the Arabs started calling it "Yawm al-Jum`ah" (i.e. the day of gathering). The Arabic lexicon "Lisaan al-Arab" has mentioned on the authority of Suhailiy that the Qureish used to gather on this day. During the gathering their leader used to address them and specially remind them of the coming of the last prophet and of their responsibilities toward him (i.e. to believe in him and to follow him). Poetic verses used to be recited on the subject; Some of these verses have also been transmitted through the generations [1] . On the basis of the above information, it seems that the Friday congregation was one of those Abrahamic traditions, like circumcision, which was transmitted through the generations among the Arabs, till the time of the Prophet (pbuh). As far as why was Friday given priority over other days, as the day of congregation is concerned, the answer to this question is not very clear. Although a few narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) relate reasons for this preference, yet because of the nature of the transmission of these narratives, it would not be prudent to completely base our opinion in such a matter, on these narratives. Nevertheless, what can be ascertained on the basis of these narratives as well as on the basis of the preference which Friday is practically given, is that according to the Muslim faith, Friday is preferred over other days of the week for the purpose of a religious congregation and collective worship. Some of the major points that are mentioned in narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) regarding the prescription of Friday as the preferred day for congregational worship are as under: Friday was, in fact, the prescribed day of congregational worship in the Abrahamic tradition. It was altered for the Jews and the Christians because of their disobedience and mutual disputes in this regard. Now, with the advent of the last prophet, God has guided the Muslims to His actual preference regarding the day of congregational worship [2] ; Friday is a day of weekly celebration and thanksgiving; it was on Friday that God created man [3] . Seen in this perspective, it may be derived that Friday is celebrated in commemoration of God's greatest blessing upon man -of giving him life [4] . God shall raise all the dead and separate the 'good' and the 'evil' among men - that is, bring the Day of Judgment - on Friday [5] . Seen in this perspective, the Friday congregation may be considered as a small reminder of the Great Gathering on the Day of Judgment. I hope this helps. December 12, 2000 [1] Lisaan al-Arab , under the root "`a-r-b" . [2] Bukhari , Kitaab al-Jum`ah , #847; Muslim , Kitaab al-Jum`ah , #1414. [3] Muslim , Kitaab al-Jum`ah , #1410. [4] It may be interesting to note that according to the Bible as well, man was created and bestowed with life on Friday - the Sixth day, i.e. the day before the Sabbath. [5] Muslim , Kitaab al-Jum`ah , #1411.