What religion has Sabbath on Friday?

As a cultural and religious studies expert with a focus on comparative religion, I'm often asked about the various practices and observances that define different faiths around the world. One such observance that stands out is the Sabbath, a day of rest that is central to the religious calendars of several faiths. The question of which religion has a Sabbath on Friday is particularly interesting because it highlights the diversity and nuances within religious traditions.
The Jewish Shabbat is perhaps the most well-known observance that falls on Friday. The Shabbat is a weekly day of rest that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday when three stars become visible in the sky. This practice is rooted in the Jewish faith and is a commemoration of the seventh day of creation when, according to the Torah, God rested after creating the world. The Shabbat is observed with a series of rituals and prayers, including the lighting of the Shabbat candles, the recitation of blessings over wine and challah bread, and the attendance at synagogue services. It is a time for rest, reflection, and family gatherings, and it plays a crucial role in Jewish life, shaping the community's identity and fostering a sense of continuity with Jewish history and tradition.
However, it's important to note that not all who observe a Friday Sabbath are Jewish. There are Christian denominations that also observe a form of the Sabbath, though the specifics can vary. For instance, Messianic Judaism is a movement that combines Jewish customs and rituals with the belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Adherents of Messianic Judaism may observe the Shabbat in a manner similar to traditional Jewish practice, recognizing it as a day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Additionally, the Seventh-day Adventists, a Christian denomination that emphasizes the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, observe Saturday as their Sabbath. While they believe in the sanctity of the seventh day, their observance is based on the same biblical creation narrative that informs Jewish practice, albeit with distinct theological interpretations.
It's also worth mentioning that the concept of a day of rest or a sacred time is not exclusive to these two religious traditions. Many religions have their own versions of a Sabbath or a holy day, each with its own unique rituals and significance. For example, in Islam, the day of communal prayer is on Friday, but it is not considered a day of rest in the same way as the Jewish Shabbat. Muslims are encouraged to attend congregational prayers at a mosque, but the day does not prohibit work or other activities as the Shabbat does for Jews.
Understanding the nuances of religious observances like the Sabbath is crucial for fostering interfaith dialogue and respect. It's a reminder that while there may be shared elements across different faiths, the meanings and practices associated with these elements can be deeply rooted in the unique histories and beliefs of each religious community.

Jewish Shabbat (Shabbath, Shabbes, Shobos, etc.) is a weekly day of rest, observed from sundown on Friday until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. It is also observed by a minority of Christians, such as adherents of Messianic Judaism and Seventh-day Adventists.