THE ORIGIN AND NATURE OF THE MUSLIM FRIDAY WORSHIP

The idea of a weekly day of rest is taken for granted by modern Man. On inquiring into the origin and nature of the Muslim Friday worship, it would not be correct to assume that the founder of Islam merely followed the example of the other religions, although it was certainly natural for him and his successors to do so with regard to certain aspects of the holiday. The connection of the Muslim Friday service with the weekly market-day of Medina is brought out by one of its features which has puzzled both ancient and modern observers: the fact that it is held at noon,t a most impracticable time in the hot climate of Arabia and, indeed, the climate of most Muslim countries. There are other characteristics of the Muslim Friday service which may have had their origin in its relation to the Medinan market-day.Keywords: Arabia; Friday worship; Islam; Medina; Muslim