Arafat Day in Djibouti
Arafat Day falls on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, when Hajj pilgrims gather at Arafat as part of the pilgrimage.
Meaning and timing
Arafat Day is tied to the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah is the day pilgrims stand at Arafat, a principal rite of Hajj; they then leave for Muzdalifah at sunset. It is therefore a distinct day in the pilgrimage sequence, rather than the second day of Hajj.[3]
The date follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its position in the Gregorian calendar shifts over time. The day’s religious meaning comes from the Hajj observance at Arafat.[3]
Public holiday status
Djibouti’s Labour Code says that paid, nonworking public holidays are determined by law or regulation. A gazette order lists Eid al-Adha as two consecutive paid, nonworking days, but does not name Arafat Day separately.[1][2]
The gazette order names two Eid al-Adha days but does not name Arafat Day separately or specify a substitute-day rule for it.[1]
Observance and practical planning
The ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah is the day pilgrims stand at Arafat, a principal rite of Hajj; they then leave for Muzdalifah at sunset.[3]
Check locally for opening schedules for government services, banks, shops, schools, or transport on Arafat Day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Arafat Day?
It falls on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar. Its Gregorian date changes from year to year.[3]
Is Arafat Day a public holiday in Djibouti?
A gazette order names two paid, nonworking days for Eid al-Adha but does not name Arafat Day separately.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Arafat Day in Djibouti:
- Arrêté n° 80-0931/PR portant rectificatif de l’arrêté n° 77-347/PR/MI du 4.10.1977 règlementant les jours fériés, chômés et payés en République de Djibouti.- Journal Officiel de la République de Djibouti
- Loi n° 133/AN/05/5ème L portant Code du Travail.- Journal Officiel de la République de Djibouti
- Hajj- Saudipedia