Ijumaa

Ijumaa is the Swahili word for Friday, the fifth day of the week. It is widely used in Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and among Swahili-speaking communities worldwide. The term derives from Jumu'ah, the Arabic word for a gathering, reflecting the day's associations with communal activities and religious observance.

In Islamic practice, Ijumaa refers to the Friday congregational prayer, known in Arabic as Jumu'ah. The service is held around midday at mosques and features a khutbah (sermon) delivered in usually two parts, followed by a ritual prayer. Attendance is emphasized in many Islamic traditions; it is generally obligatory for adult male Muslims who are resident and not impeded by valid excuses, though exact obligations vary by school of thought. Women may attend, and in many communities do so, while children may accompany guardians.

Beyond religious use, Ijumaa serves as the everyday name of the day Friday in Swahili. In daily life, calendars, work schedules, and social events reference Ijumaa to denote the day, independent of religious observation.

See also: Jumu'ah, Friday prayer.