Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) in Gambia

A nationwide public holiday

The Office of the President has declared Maulud Nabi a public holiday throughout The Gambia, invoking section 76 of the 1997 Constitution in one official notice.[1]

The Gregorian date changes with the Islamic calendar. The Gambian government’s holiday list describes Eid Milad-un-Nabi as varying according to that calendar. A past presidential declaration set a weekday public holiday even though the observance itself was described as taking place on a different day. Check official announcements for the applicable year.[2][3]

Meaning and observance

Maulud Nabi honours the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. A Gambian government notice says that Muslim commemorations can include Quran recitations, religious songs and preaching about his life.[1]

Another official notice describes Gamo in The Gambia as an all-night vigil: Muslims recite the Quran, recount the Prophet’s life as a model, and sing religious songs. The notice places the observance on the night before the public holiday it declared.[4]

Maulud Nabi honours the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. A Gambian government notice says that Muslim commemorations can include Quran recitations, religious songs and preaching about his life.[1]

Planning around the holiday

Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check directly with banks, schools, shops and transport operators about their holiday hours.[1][3]

Gamo gatherings may continue through the night. Visitors planning to attend an event should check local announcements for venue and travel arrangements.[4]