Peace friends,
I noticed there was a thread where it was being debated if Muslims should keep Shabbat or not, but I'm hoping this thread can be more about exactly how a Muslim would keep it.
Because I agree a case can be made that it is part of Prophet Moses's revelation, and the Quran agrees it is, and also says people were punished for transgressing it.
The question is how would a Muslim keep the Shabbat- by not working on it? By lighting the Shabbat candles, and other customs? I'm wondering if some of the sabbath keepers wouldn't mind sharing their observance of it.
Peace
Isaiah is mentioned as one of the righteous prophets (in Surah 21, Surah Al-Anbiyah', The Prophets). In his prophecy, chapter 58, Isaiah speaks of Shabbat in contrast to the fasting the people had been doing. Instead, the people are admonished to let the oppressed go free, to share their bread with the hungry, care for the poor, etc.
Then, Isaiah compares those who do these good things, and those who keep the Shabbat in honor of Allah, to people who repair a broken wall. I imagine this as repairing the wall of protection Allah has placed around His people by giving them good instructions which will guide and protect them.
Finally, Isaiah chapter 58 makes a contrast between doing our own pleasure on Allah's holy day, and calling the Shabbat a delight, speaking Allah's words instead of our own.
In summary, I find several ways in which to celebrate Shabbat
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It should be a pleasure but according to what Allah pleases, that is to treat others with mercy. (Every day, but especially when we have time to take a whole day in deeds of mercy)
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It should be a day of rest according to the Torah, in the sense of refraining from secular business. Allah founded Shabbat as a rest, not because Allah was tired (He never gets weary) but because Allah knows that we humans get tired, and so that we could dedicate a day to spend with Allah. Also to remind us that we are always sustained by Him (so we do not depend on ourselves but on Him).
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It can be a day to spend especially with family and children, because we are so often too busy to take time with children. But in spending time with them, it is good to stay away from the artificial things of our world, instead focusing on Allah and what Allah has made for us. Remembering that Allah has created us.
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Shabbat was re-instituted at the coming out from Egypt, when Allah judged the gods of Egypt, and gave rest from bondage. The people were reminded before Moses' death that they had come out of bondage, and as Allah had given them rest, they should share that rest with those who serve them (Deuteronomy 512-15) So we should remember that Allah has given us freedom by forgiving us when we confess to Him, and we should share that freedom with others. Also, in practical terms, we should seek to lighten others burdens especially on Shabbat so they too can experience rest.
Lighting Shabbat candles and such customs can be helpful for you to experience the rest, but keep uppermost the revealed instructions Allah has given, so that our customs do not detract from the purpose of Shabbat. While we remain on earth in this life, we all have burdens and hardships, but Shabbat can be a weekly reminder of the rest and joy of living in Allah's presence in the future.
Peace