Saturday

Saturday is one of the seven days of the week. According to Somali custom and Islamic practice, it falls on the day after Friday and before Sunday.

Under the international ISO 8601 standard (which defines dates globally), Saturday is the sixth day of the week and the day following the European work week. In some American calendars, Saturday is the seventh day of the week, with the week beginning on Sunday.

Name and origin

The word "Sabti" derives from Arabic السبت (as-sabt), which is related to a root meaning rest or cessation. From the same origin comes the Hebrew word Shabbat. Several European languages, such as English "Saturday", took their names from the Roman god Saturn; Italian "Sabato" likewise traces back to the same Semitic root.

Religious significance

For Jews, Saturday (Shabbat) is the sacred day of rest, beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at sunset on Saturday, observed according to religious restrictions on work. Some Christian churches, such as Seventh-day Adventists, also regard Saturday as a holy day. In Islam, Saturday is not a special day of worship; Friday is the day of communal prayer instead.

Work and social use

In many Muslim countries, including Somalia, the work week typically begins on Saturday. In most other countries, Saturday and Sunday are the weekend, which affects market cycles, schools, and government services.