Islamic New Year in Morocco
Morocco lists the first of Muharram as the Hijra New Year, a religious holiday in its national calendar. A Moroccan decree provides one paid day off for public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services.[1][2]
What the day means
Morocco’s official holiday guide names the observance “Hijra New Year” and places it among the country’s religious holidays. The date is the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri calendar.[1]
The name connects the day with the Hijra, the event from which the Hijri calendar takes its name. The holiday has a religious classification and falls on the first day of Muharram.[1]
A public holiday under Moroccan rules
Decree No. 2-77-169 lists the first of Muharram among the annual holidays that are non-working and paid for all personnel in public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services. The decree provides one day for this holiday.[2]
The administration ministry’s current holiday table likewise lists 1 Muharram as a one-day public holiday.[3]
Date and calendar
The holiday is observed on 1 Muharram, rather than on a fixed Gregorian-calendar date. Morocco’s official holiday guide gives the Hijri date, while the administration ministry’s table also lists it by that date.[1][3]
The public-holiday decree provides one day for 1 Muharram and does not specify a substitute day in the provision listing the holiday.[2]
Planning for the day
People needing services from a public administration, public establishment or concessioned service should plan around the paid non-working day set by the decree. Check opening hours with banks, private shops, restaurants or public transport providers before making plans.[2][3]
Islamic New Year is an official holiday in Morocco, marking the start of the Islamic religious calendar.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Morocco?
Yes. Moroccan public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services observe 1 Muharram as a paid non-working day under Decree No. 2-77-169.[2]
When is Islamic New Year observed in Morocco?
It is observed on the first day of Muharram. Its Gregorian date varies; the official Moroccan holiday guide identifies it by the Hijri date.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport closed?
Is there a substitute day if 1 Muharram falls on a weekend?
The decree’s listing grants one day for 1 Muharram and does not state a weekend substitute in that provision.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Morocco:
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Maroc.ma, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Décret n° 2-77-169 du 9 rebia I 1397 (28 février 1977) fixant la liste des jours fériés chômés dans les administrations publiques, établissements publics et services concédés.- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Kingdom of Morocco
- Horaires de travail et jours fériés- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Kingdom of Morocco