Iraq declares September 4 public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers announced that Thursday, Sept. 4, will be a public holiday to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

In a statement, the secretariat said all ministries and government institutions will suspend official duties on that day.

The holiday coincides with the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

In May 2024, the Iraqi Parliament approved a list of public holidays, which includes dates significant to various ethnic and religious groups in the country. The law established 12 national holidays and 13 additional holidays for minority religious groups.