Sabbath (disambiguation)

Religious observances

• Shabbat — the Jewish day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening, rooted in biblical commandment and Jewish law.
• Sabbath in Christianity — generally a weekly day for worship and rest; practices and emphasis vary among denominations, commonly observed on Sunday.
• Jumu'ah — the congregational Friday prayer in Islam that has special communal significance, distinct from the Judeo-Christian Sabbath tradition.
• Sabbath — general overview of the concept as a recurring day of cessation from ordinary work for religious purposes.

Historically, the idea of a regular rest day has roots in the ancient Near East and became central in Israelite religion. Over time, related practices evolved differently in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The term also migrated into secular vocabulary to describe any periodic cessation of work.

Other uses and notable meanings

• Black Sabbath — the English rock band whose name derives from the word and which has been influential in heavy metal and popular music.
• Witches' sabbath — a folkloric or literary motif referring to nocturnal gatherings attributed to witches in European folklore and later fiction.
• Cultural and legal uses — "sabbath" sometimes appears in discussions of labor laws, public rest days, or blue laws that regulate commerce on particular days of the week.
• Artistic and fictional references — many books, films, songs and games use the word "Sabbath" as a title or theme to evoke rest, ritual or the uncanny.

Distinctions to note: the timing, theological basis and associated practices differ markedly between traditions — for example, Jewish observance is measured from sundown to sundown, most Christian communities observe Sunday for historical reasons, and Islam emphasizes Friday communal prayer rather than a full rest day. In popular usage, "Sabbath" may be metaphorical or titular rather than religious.

For specific articles on each sense of the word, follow the links above to read more about the religious observances, the cultural phenomena and notable uses in music and folklore.