1. Sabbath in the Qur’an

2. Each of the three monotheistic faiths have their day of worship Judaism – Sabbath Christians – Sunday Muslims - Friday

3. What is the correct day that God appointed for men? There is no scriptural basis in the Qur’an and the Bible for the observance of Friday and Sunday, but we have more than adequate scriptural basis for the observance of Sabbath.

4. We are acquainted with the Bible therefore we will examine Islamic sources Qur’an verses 2: 65, 66; 4: 47, 154; 7: 163; 16: 124

5. 2: 65, 66 compare with 7: 163 has to do with food gathering like in Exodus 16 manna. This curse is compared with 5: 60 such a serious matter A lesson for the God fearing is it Sabbth breaking or dosobedience to some command? But here it is sabbath mentioned

6. 2: 65, 66 “And well ye knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them: "Be ye apes, despised and rejected." So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah. What does monkey mean? Monkeys are known for mimicry, this is same as following a religion without discerning its spiritual meaning!

7. Sabbath breakers are cursed Sabbath breakers are transformed into “apes” that are despised. Was this literal? If not what does it mean? This punishment is a lesson to whom? What is the lesson here? Sabbath breaking or disobedient to God’s command?

8. 4: 47 O ye People of the Book! believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you, before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition, and turn them hindwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the decision of Allah Must be carried out. This is the seriousness of Sabbath breaking compare with 5: 60

9. 5: 60 Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, (as judged) by the treatment it received from Allah? those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped evil;- these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the even path!" Sabbath breaking is connected to evil worship, it is such a serious sin

10. Tested in food cf. Ex 16 7: 163 Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. Behold! they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them, openly holding up their heads, but on the day they had no Sabbath, they came not: thus did We make a trial of them, for they were given to transgression.

11. Sabbath controvery 16: 124 The Sabbath was only made (strict) for those who disagreed (as to its observance); But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, as to their differences. The Sabbath issue is at the heart of the Great Controversy which will continue until the judgment day.

12. Sabbath at Sinai and in the sanctuary 4: 154 And for their covenant we raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai); and (on another occasion) we said: "Enter the gate with humility"; and (once again) we commanded them: "Transgress not in the matter of the Sabbath." And we took from them a solemn covenant.

13. 5: 12 Allah did afore time take a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we appointed twelve captains among them. And Allah said: "I am with you: if ye (but) establish regular prayers, practise regular charity, believe in my messengers, honour and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your evils, and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from the path or rectitude."

14. 5: 13 But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard; they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor wilt thou cease to find them- barring a few - ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loveth those who are kind.

15. 5: 14 From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the day of judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done. Christian denominations in disagreement over sabbath

16. Summary The Qur’an teaches the observance of Sabbath and the punishment prescribed for those who break it Sabbth is binding upon Jews, Christians and Muslims as seen from the Qur’an Where did Friday come from

17. From hadith Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) saying, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the Holy Scriptures before us. And this was their day (Friday) the celebration of which was made compulsory for them but they differed about it. So Allah gave us the guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect: the Jews' (holy day is) tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) and the Christians' (is) the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday)." (Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 13, Number 1, see also Number 21)

18. Friday Bukhari Chapter 17. Book of Jumu'a I: The obligatory nature of the Jumu'a prayer This is based on the words of Allah Almighty, "When the prayer is called on the Day of Jumu'a, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave commerce. That is better for you if you only knew." (62:9) 836. It is related that Abu Hurayra heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "We are the last but will be the first on the Day of Rising, in spite of the fact that others were given the Book before us. This was the day which was made obligatory for them but they disagreed about it. Allah has guided us to it and the other people follow us. The Jews have tomorrow and the Christians the day after."

19. Friday Only one passage speaks of Friday 62: 11 - 13 Friday was a market day in Medina Sixth day of the week Day for Sabbath preparation No rest is commanded, only attendance to the mosque to listen to khutbah Only hadith mention Friday as a subsitute for Sabbath!

20. Possible reasons for change Muslims disagreed with Jews and so Muslims ceased observing Jewish festival such as Day of atonement, Sabbath and even changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca. Some traditions say that Muhammad kept Sabbath privately