Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in Fiji
Fiji recognizes the Birthday of Muhammad, also called Mawlid, as a public holiday required in workplaces across the country.[1] The occasion commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s birth; its place in Fiji’s public calendar connects a Muslim observance with national holiday arrangements.[4][5]
Meaning and timing
Mawlid commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslim communities differ in whether and how they observe it; many Sunni Muslims associate it with 12 Rabi al-Awwal, while many Shia Muslims mark the birth on 17 Rabi al-Awwal. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the corresponding Gregorian date shifts from year to year.[5]
Fiji’s official public holiday listing uses the name “Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.” The Fiji Government has also described the occasion as Mawlid al-Nabi and Eid Milad-un-Nabi in an official message to the country’s Muslim community.[2][4]
A national public holiday
Section 64 of Fiji’s Employment Relations Act 2007 includes Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday among the public holidays that must be kept in all workplaces. The law also sets out public holiday pay rules for workers, including payment for their normally scheduled hours, subject to the conditions in the Act.[1]
The date-setting process has involved Fiji’s Muslim community. When Cabinet approved the 2024 public holiday dates, it said it had consulted the Fiji Muslim League about the celebration date for Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday.[3]
Observance in Fiji
Fiji’s Prime Minister’s Office describes the occasion as a time for Muslim families and communities to gather in prayer and reflection. The official message also presents it as an opportunity for people across Fiji to consider values associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, including compassion, respect and service.[4]
Practices can differ between communities. The Fiji Muslim League is one national Muslim organization; its own site says it was established to promote Islam and represent the interests of Muslims in Fiji.[3][6]
Work, services and travel
The Act establishes the holiday across workplaces, but the cited provisions do not provide a list of which banks, shops, schools or transport services close or change their hours. Check with a specific office or service before visiting, and confirm local arrangements for transport.[1]
The Act says that if Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday must be a public holiday. It also allows the Minister, by Gazette notice, to approve another day in certain circumstances.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is the Birthday of Muhammad a public holiday in Fiji?
Yes. The Employment Relations Act lists Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday among holidays that must be kept in all workplaces.[1]
When is Mawlid observed?
The holiday follows an Islamic lunar date. Many Sunni Muslims associate Mawlid with 12 Rabi al-Awwal, while many Shia Muslims observe the Prophet’s birth on 17 Rabi al-Awwal; Gregorian dates therefore shift each year.[5]
Is there a substitute day if it falls on a weekend?
The Act says the following Monday must be a public holiday when Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday falls on Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Will banks, shops and buses be open?
The Act establishes the holiday for workplaces but does not specify opening hours for individual banks, shops or transport services. Check directly with the provider before traveling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in Fiji:
- Employment Relations Act 2007- University of the South Pacific, Research
- Public Holidays- Fiji Government
- CABINET DECISIONS 3 OCTOBER 2023- Fiji Government
- Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday- Office of the Prime Minister Fiji
- Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad - Mawlid al-Nabi (26 and 31 August, 2026)- Department of Education, Australian Government
- Home - Fiji Muslim League- Fiji Muslim League