Islamic New Year in Comoros
In Comoros, the first day of the Muslim year is a public, non-working and paid holiday throughout the country. The decree gives it nationwide status, while allowing some work to continue where the nature of an activity prevents it from stopping.[1]
A nationwide religious holiday
The Comorian holiday decree lists the first day of the Muslim year among the country’s religious public holidays. It applies across the whole territory of the Union of the Comoros, so the holiday is not limited to a particular island or community.[1]
The same decree groups it with other religious days, including the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, days following Ramadan, and Eid al-Kabir.[1]
Religious context
Comorian law also sets an official framework for religious practice: it names Sunni doctrine and the Shafi‘i school of jurisprudence as the official religious reference, including for mosques and imams. That legal context helps explain the holiday’s place in the country’s public calendar, but the legislation does not prescribe a particular way to mark the New Year.[2]
The holiday decree establishes the day off but does not describe specific ceremonies, prayers, meals, or regional customs for it. Claims that people across the islands follow one shared New Year tradition are therefore not supported by these official sources.[1][2]
Work and practical arrangements
The decree declares the listed holidays non-working and paid throughout the country. It makes an exception for establishments and categories of workers whose activities cannot be interrupted; the decree says these exceptions are to be set by a joint ministerial order.[1]
A working day between holidays, or between a holiday and Saturday or Sunday, may be declared non-working and paid separately.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Comoros?
Yes. The decree lists the first day of the Muslim year as a public, non-working and paid holiday across the Union of the Comoros, subject to exceptions for work that cannot stop.[1]
Who may still have to work?
The decree allows exceptions for establishments and worker categories whose activities cannot be interrupted. It says those categories are to be specified by a joint ministerial order.[1]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Check with the specific provider before making plans.[1]
Is there an automatic day off if it falls on a Sunday?
The decree does not provide an automatic substitute day. It allows an intercalary working day in certain circumstances to be declared non-working and paid separately.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Comoros:
- Décret N°25-147PR du 19 déc 2025 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés en Union des Comores- Présidence de l’Union des Comores, hosted by Munganyo
- Loi n°08-011/AU du 27 juin 2008 portant réglementation générale de pratiques religieuses en Union des Comores- Assemblée de l’Union des Comores, hosted by the Ministry of Justice