Laylat al-Qadr in Côte d’Ivoire
Laylat al-Qadr, known in Côte d’Ivoire as the Night of Destiny, is a night of religious observance with a distinct legal status the following day. The country’s holiday decree lists the day after the Night of Destiny as a non-working public holiday.[1]
Meaning and timing
Laylat al-Qadr is associated with the Quran’s revelation and is described in the Quran’s 97th chapter as better than a thousand months. The chapter also describes the night as lasting until dawn.[2]
Laylat al-Qadr is generally thought to fall on the 27th night of Ramadan. The decree provides a public holiday on the day after the Night of Destiny, so the statutory day off follows the religious observance.[1][2]
The public holiday under Ivorian law
Decree No. 96-205 of 7 March 1996 includes the day after the Night of Destiny among Côte d’Ivoire’s public holidays. It classifies the listed day as a holiday when work stops, subject to any more favorable collective agreements.[1]
The decree says work must stop for staff in agricultural, industrial and commercial establishments, except in services or establishments whose activity cannot be interrupted. It does not set a separate substitute day for the Night of Destiny; its Sunday replacement provision applies to the National Day and Labour Day.[1]
Commemorations in Côte d’Ivoire
A Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of the Interior report documents a national commemoration at the Grande Mosquée de la Riviera Golf in Abidjan. The ceremony brought together government officials, the president of the Council of Imams, Mosques and Islamic Affairs in Côte d’Ivoire (COSIM), religious guides and worshippers.[3]
That commemoration highlighted zakat and waqf in relation to poverty and social cohesion, and officials spoke of solidarity, sharing and fraternity.[3]
Practical effects
The decree provides for work to stop in covered establishments, while allowing services that cannot interrupt their work to continue. It does not give opening hours for particular banks, shops or transport services, so travelers should check with the providers they plan to use.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Laylat al-Qadr a public holiday in Côte d’Ivoire?
Yes. The decree lists the day after the Night of Destiny as a public holiday when work stops, subject to the stated exceptions and any more favorable collective agreements.[1]
When does the holiday take place?
Who is covered by the work suspension?
The decree covers staff in agricultural, industrial and commercial establishments, except where the nature of the service or establishment means work cannot be interrupted.[1]
Will banks, shops and transport services be open?
Opening hours vary by provider, so check directly with the bank, shop or transport service you plan to use.
Sources and references
Sources used for Laylat al-Qadr in Côte d’Ivoire:
- DECRET N° 96-205 DU 7 MARS 1996 DETERMINANT LA LISTE ET LE REGIME DES JOURS FERIES- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- Laylat al-Qadr- The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions, via Encyclopedia.com
- Nuit du Destin- Ministry of the Interior and Security of Côte d’Ivoire