First Day of Ramadan in Brunei
In Brunei, the first day of Ramadan is both a religious observance and a public holiday. It begins the month of fasting, prayer and charitable acts, with local religious authorities announcing the date after moon sighting.[1][2]
Meaning and local context
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. For Muslims, its beginning marks the start of fasting and a period of worship and self-discipline. Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs describes fasting as an act of worship that teaches restraint and encourages people to draw closer to God.[3]
The holiday’s Bruneian character is reflected in its place in national law and in religious activities organized through mosques and other prayer spaces around the country. The date is set locally after the Ramadan crescent is sighted.[1][2]
Public-holiday status
Brunei’s Employment Act lists the first day of Ramadhan among the country’s public holidays. Under the Act, employees are generally entitled to a paid public holiday; the Act also provides for agreed substitute days, and sets out what applies when a holiday falls on an employee’s rest day or a day they are not scheduled to work.[1]
The Act’s holiday provisions concern employees covered by the law. They do not mean every shop, bank, restaurant or transport service closes, so residents and visitors should check directly with the service they plan to use.[1]
Worship and observance
The first day starts a month in which Muslims fast during daylight. A Brunei religious affairs sermon describes sahur before dawn, evening breaking of the fast, charity, congregational Tarawih prayers and Quran recitation as recommended Ramadan practices. It encourages recitation at home, in offices and in mosques.[3]
Religious activities may take place across the country. In a documented national opening of Ramadan Quran recitation, the Ministry of Religious Affairs described activities at mosques, suraus and balai ibadat, with the opening event held at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.[4]
Practical arrangements
The holiday can affect employee schedules. Check current opening hours with government counters, banks, shops or public transport before travelling or arranging business.[1]
The exact Gregorian date changes from year to year. Brunei’s official announcement is tied to local moon sighting, so use the country’s announcement for the confirmed date rather than assuming that a date calculated elsewhere will match.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is the first day of Ramadan a public holiday in Brunei?
Yes. The Employment Act lists it as a public holiday and provides paid-holiday entitlements for employees covered by the Act.[1]
Who gets the day off?
The Employment Act provides employee holiday entitlements, with provisions for agreed substitutions and holidays that coincide with rest days or non-working days. Check your employment terms or employer for how those provisions apply to you.[1]
When does the holiday fall?
It falls on 1 Ramadan. Brunei confirms the local date following moon sighting, and the Gregorian date varies from year to year.[2]
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Shops, banks and transport providers set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for First day of Ramadan in Brunei:
- EMPLOYMENT ACT- Attorney General’s Chambers, Government of Brunei Darussalam
- KETETAPAN 01 RAMADAN 1447 HIJRAH BAGI NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM DAN ACARA KEAGAMAAN BAGI MENUNGGU HASIL MERUKYAH ANAK BULAN RAMADAN 1447 HIJRAH- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam
- Khutbah - MANFAATKAN BULAN RAMADHAN DENGAN IBADAH- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam
- MAJLIS PEMBUKAAN TADARUS AL-QURAN BAGI MASJID, SURAU, BALAI IBADAT SELURUH NEGARA SEMPENA BULAN RAMADAN BAGI TAHUN 1447H/2026M- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei Darussalam