Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Chairman of the Civil Service Council has issued a decision to specify the holiday of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the advent of the New Hijri year 1442 AH.
The decision said, “On the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the new Hijri year 1442 AH, it was decided that the first day of Muharram 1442 AH will be an official holiday for the employees of the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the State’s Administrative Apparatus. If the 1st of Muharram 1442 AH is on Friday, corresponding to 21 August 2020, the holiday will be on Sunday, 3rd Muharram 1442 AH, corresponding to 23 August 2020. Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the concerned authorities”.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, issued a similar decision on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1442 AH, declaring that the first day of Muharram will be an official holiday for employees in the private sector establishments.
The Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the authorities concerned before Thursday.
Islamic New Year represents the starting point of the Muslim era as it coincides with the Hijrah, the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina on the first of Muharram in 622 CE.
