Islamic New Year in Djibouti
In Djibouti, Islamic New Year is listed in law as Awal Mouharam, a one-day public holiday that is work-free and paid. Its date follows the first day of Muharram in the Hijri calendar, so it moves through the Gregorian year.[1][2]
A holiday set in Djibouti’s law
Djibouti’s official gazette lists “AWAL MOUHARAM (Nouvel An Musulman)” among the country’s public holidays, described as “chômés et payés” and lasting one day. The same decree lists other religious and national holidays separately, making Awal Mouharam a specifically recognized part of Djibouti’s official calendar.[1]
The Labour Code says public holidays that are work-free and paid are determined by law or regulation. It applies across Djibouti, with an exception for free zones, which are subject to separate legislation. The decree names the holiday and its duration but does not set out a general substitute-day rule for when it coincides with a weekly rest day.[1][2]
Meaning and date
The Hijri calendar has twelve lunar months, beginning with Muharram. Its years are counted from the Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE; the calendar era was introduced later, and its first year was set to begin on 1 Muharram.[3]
For Djibouti, the gazette’s name Awal Mouharam connects the public holiday to the start of the Muslim year. Because the Hijri calendar follows lunar months rather than the solar year, 1 Muharram does not fall on the same Gregorian date each year.[1][3]
Observance and planning
Islamic New Year is an official holiday in Djibouti, observed according to the Islamic calendar.[1][3]
The legal designation means the day is set aside as work-free and paid under Djibouti’s holiday regulation. Check opening hours and service arrangements directly with the bank, shop, restaurant, transport provider or government service you plan to use.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Djibouti?
Yes. Djibouti’s official gazette lists Awal Mouharam as a one-day public holiday that is work-free and paid.[1]
When does Islamic New Year fall?
It falls on 1 Muharram, the first day of the first month in the Hijri calendar. Since the calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date changes from year to year.[3]
Is there a substitute day if it falls on a weekly rest day?
The holiday decree names Awal Mouharam as a one-day holiday but does not specify a general substitute-day rule.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year 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
- Islamic calendar | Months, Definition, & Facts- Encyclopaedia Britannica