The Sabbath (from Hebrew: שבת, Shabát, meaning "rest" or "cessation") is a day set apart for rest and worship, observed by Jews, some Christians, and other religious groups. In Judaism, it is observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, commemorating the biblical creation of the world in six days and the divine rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11) and holds significant theological and practical importance in Jewish life, marked by abstention from work, prayer, and family meals. In Christianity, the Sabbath is observed on Sunday by many denominations, reflecting the resurrection of Jesus, while others observe it on Saturday, aligning with Jewish tradition. The concept of Sabbath is also found in other religions and cultures, such as Islam (with Jumu'ah on Friday) and in various historical contexts, often emphasizing rest, reflection, and communal worship.
