THIS is in response to letters ‘Plea for Friday as holiday’ (May 22, 24). I do not agree with the writers.
I will discuss the topic under two contexts. One is the Islamic point of view and the second is worldly and materialistic.
First, keeping in view the present situation of the business world, it can be observed that most of the countries and business communities enjoy Saturday and Sunday as holidays.
If we have to have Thursday and Friday as holidays, it means that only three days (Monday to Wednesday) will be available for working collaboration with international business entities.
This is obviously not good for our fragile economy. Now what are the teachings of our religion for Jumma.
There are clear instructions in the Holy Quran in Sura Jumma: “O you who believe when the ‘Slaat’ is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of God, and drop all businesses. This is better for you if you only knew. Once the prayer is completed, you may spread to the land and seek God’s bounties and continue to commemorate God frequently that you may succeed.” (Jumma: 62)
The above reference shows that there is no concept of holiday on Friday in Islam.
Keeping in consideration the above discussion, it is not fruitful to have Thursday and Friday as holidays.
MALIK ASIF AWAN Talagang