Laylat al-Mi'raj in Comoros
Laylat al-Mi'raj recalls the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent through the heavens. Comoros’s calendar associates the observance with 27 Rajab, but Laylat al-Mi'raj is not included in the recurring list of paid public holidays in the presidential decree.[3][1]
Meaning of the night
In Islamic tradition, Isra’ names the night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, while Mi‘raj refers to the ascent through the heavens. The Institute of Ismaili Studies notes that the journey is associated with the month of Rajab, though there is no unanimous view on its precise date.[3]
Comoros and the observance
Comoros is described by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs as a country where Sunni Islam of the Shafi‘i rite is the official religion. That context makes the holiday part of a public calendar shaped by Islamic observances, but it does not establish a particular Comorian ceremony or custom for this night.[2]
No specific local practices for Laylat al-Mi'raj are established here, such as special mosque services, family meals, lectures, or differences between the islands.[2][3]
Public-holiday status and practical effects
A Comorian presidential decree sets out the religious and civil days that are public, non-working and paid across the country. Laylat al-Mi'raj does not appear in the recurring list in that decree. Its Article 4 says another day can receive that status through a specific decree, so whether a separate measure applies to this observance depends on such a measure.[1]
For holidays covered by the decree, Article 2 allows exceptions for establishments and workers whose activities cannot stop; a joint ministerial order is to define the relevant categories. Check locally with offices, banks, shops or transport services before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Laylat al-Mi'raj a public holiday in Comoros?
Laylat al-Mi'raj does not appear in the recurring list of paid public holidays in the presidential decree. Another day can receive that status through a specific decree.[1]
When is Laylat al-Mi'raj observed?
The Comoros calendar record places it on 27 Rajab in the Islamic calendar. The Gregorian date changes from year to year, and the Institute of Ismaili Studies notes that the precise date within Rajab is not agreed universally.[3]
Will offices, shops, banks, or transport be open?
The decree allows exceptions for establishments and workers whose activities cannot stop for holidays it covers. Check with the relevant office, shop, bank or transport provider before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Laylat al-Mi'raj 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)
- Comores - Présentation des Comores- Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie)
- miʿrāj- The Institute of Ismaili Studies