Prophet Muhammad's birthday holiday set for August 27, 2026

The Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) for 2026 will be observed as an official paid holiday on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This date replaces the original date of Tuesday, August 25, as the holiday has been moved to the end of the week for both the public and private sectors.

In the public sector, the holiday applies to government ministries, local administration units, and public business companies. In the private sector, employees covered by labor laws are entitled to the full-day paid holiday. Employers may require staff to work during this period if necessary, provided they receive legal compensation or an alternative day off. Scheduled examinations are not affected by this holiday and will proceed as planned.

Regarding religious observance, Dar al-Ifta al-Missriyyah has stated that celebrating the occasion is an expression of love for the Prophet. Recommended acts of worship include reciting the Quran, increasing prayers upon the Prophet, giving charity, feeding the needy, and studying his biography. Fasting on the day of the Prophet's birth is also considered permissible as a form of gratitude to God.