Jamat Ul-Vida in India – Date, History, Celebration & Significance 2025
Jamat Ul Vida is the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan. The day holds immense significance for all Muslims. It is commemorated by reciting passages from the Quran, offering special prayers, engaging in charity and community service, and inculcating Allah’s teachings and blessings. The last Jummah before Ramadan ends is a momentous occasion for joy, humility, devotion, and celebration. This year, the day falls on the evening of Thu, 27 Mar 2025, to Fri, 28 Mar 2025.
What is the meaning of Jamat Ul-Vida?
Image Credit: Moataz1997 for Wikimedia Commons
Jamat Ul Vida translates to the Friday of Farewell. In Islamic culture, Friday is the day of the Sabbath, and all practising Muslims take the day to rest and devote themselves to prayer. People visit mosques in India and worldwide and congregate for afternoon prayer. The Jummah in the last week of Ramadan, Jumu’atul-Wida, is a specially religious day when people reflect on the Holy month that has gone by and say farewell (‘vida’) to it.
Origin, History and Significance of Jamat Ul-Vida
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
The day is also known as ‘al-Jumu’ah al-Yateemah’, meaning ‘the orphaned Friday’. This signifies the bittersweet feeling of leaving the sacred month of Ramazan behind. The day is an occasion to humble oneself before Allah and ask for forgiveness. Everyone vows to be a good Muslim and promises to offer prayers, participate in charity, and help the poor and unfortunate in the coming year. Any charity to the less fortunate (Zakat) is repaid in wealth and blessings by God, and any prayers made on this day are answered. As Ramadan ends, Eid-al-Fitr approaches, and this day thus also marks the beginning of the great festival of Eid.
In Islam, all Fridays are holy occasions, but it is believed that on this hallowed day, the last Friday of Ramadan, the angel of God enters the mosque as the Quran is being read. When prayers are offered in his presence, all sins are forgiven, and all problems vanquished. Attending the special reading from the Book of Quran shows blessings upon an individual. Reading the Namaz five times a day during Ramadan is a quintessential practice to attain liberation and forego your sins.
How is Jamat Ul-Vida Celebrated and Where to Go?
Looking for the best set of places to visit during the festival? Here are some that will add excitement and intrigue to your visit.
- Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad—The largest mosque in Hyderabad and one of the most grandiose mosques in the country, the festival is celebrated with much anticipation here. Thousands of devotees gather here for the last Friday of Ramazan and attend the prayers led by the Khateeb of Makkah Masjid.
- Charminar, Hyderabad—Besides being one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in India, Charminar Square comes alive in the evening with lights and the buzz of crowds celebrating. Folks enjoy delicious food, and many stalls sell the iconic Hyderabadi Biriyani at inexpensive rates.
- Frazer Town, Bangalore—Bangalore’s Frazer Town’s Mosque Road is iconic. This is where the celebration takes centre stage during the festival. Prepare for a gastronomical adventure with stalls selling kebabs, phirnis, and various exotic delicacies all Ramazan long. You’ll also find Muslims gathering for prayers at the Masjid there.
Also Read: Eid-ul Adha
Things To Do
Image Credit: RDNE Stock project for Pexels
The traditions and rituals associated with Jamat al Vida that make the day special are rooted in its community practice. The festival is not one for merrymaking and festivity but for devoting oneself to god and a godly way of being.
- Wearing New Clothes—It is customary among Muslims to wake up early in the morning of Jamat ul Vida, take a bath, and wear new or clean (generally white) clothes.
- Organising Jamaat—Rather than the regular Friday prayer, people congregate in mosques and attend the namaz congregation. Most mosques globally hold special prayers on this day for the world’s well-being. Devotees ask for forgiveness from Allah for any sins they have committed and pray for restful serenity for loved ones who have passed away.
- Performing Ibadat—Men gather together on the day of Jamat ul Vida and recite stories and teachings from the holy book of the Quran and learn from the life of Prophet Mohammed.
- Fasting—this is an integral part of Ramazan. Muslims worldwide observe the Roza this month when they fast from sunrise to sunset. This is considered beneficial and rewarding, especially on the last holy Friday of the month.
- Offering Charity—Jamat Ul Vida is the time to give back to the community and ensure everyone gets fed and does not lack basic needs. Charitable work is one of the most essential pillars of this festival.
Jamat ul Vida Celebration
Image Credit: Thirdman for Pexels
In Abrahamic faiths, it is believed that God made man on Friday, banished man from heaven on Friday and that the day of Resurrection will also be on a Friday. The last Jummah of the holy month of Ramazan is celebrated with even more veneration. A day of fasting, charity, reading and teaching sermons from the Quran, and extending Jamat ul Vida wishes and greetings to relatives and neighbours marks the occasion. Muslim families host big feasts after the sun goes down for their relatives and community for the Iftar.
You May Also Like To Read: Ramadan In Dubai
Wish your neighbours and relatives Jamat Ul Vida Mubarak and celebrate the day with tradition and rituals. Jamat-ul Vida is a beacon that guides us towards love, harmony, and compassion. As the sun sets on Ramadan and Jamat ul Vida arrives, plan a trip to India’s iconic and serene mosques on this sacred day.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Moataz1997 for Wikimedia Commons
FAQs About Jamat Ul Vida 2025
What is Jamat Ul Vida?
Jamat Ul Vida is the last Friday of Ramazan. People pray, offer charity, and seek God’s mercy on the Friday of Farewell. This day is the beginning of Eid-ul Fitr as well, which is celebrated a couple of days later.
What is the meaning of Jamat Ul-Vida?
Jamat Ul-Vida, in English, means “the Friday of Farewell.” Devout Muslims bid goodbye to the holy month of Ramazan with a bittersweet feeling.
What happens in Jamat ul Vida?
On the day of Jamat ul Vida, people attend congregational prayers at the local mosque, seek forgiveness from God, engage in acts of charity, and listen to sermons from spiritual leaders of the community.
Is Jamat ul Vida a national holiday?
Jamat ul Vida holiday is a restricted holiday. Employees can take the day off if they wish to. A few days after Jamat ul Vida comes Eid ul Fitr, a public holiday.
What is the other name for Jamat al Vida?
Jamat al Vida (colloquial name) is also written as Jumu'atul-Wida, which is the more accurate transliteration of the Arabic words in English. The day is also known as al-Jumu'ah al-Yateemah, the Orphaned Friday.
What good deeds are performed on the day of Jamat Ul Vida?
Acts of charity are performed on Jamat Ul Vida. Zakat is the Arabic word for charity, or “giving to the needy”. Charity is considered as the fifth pillar of Islam.
People Also Read:
Pushkar Holi Festival Taj Mahotsav Mewar Festival
Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
