Is 24 August 2026 a Joint Holiday for the Prophet's Birthday? Check the Rules
Muslims will soon commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The government has designated the occasion as a national holiday. Ahead of the Prophet’s Birthday 1448 Hijriah, many are asking whether Monday, 24 August 2026 is also a public holiday or joint holiday.
Based on the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Minister of Manpower, and the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform concerning National Holidays and Joint Holidays for 2026, Monday, 24 August 2026 is not designated as a national holiday or joint holiday. Referring to the list in the decree, only the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 is set as a national holiday. There is no provision for a joint holiday on Monday, 24 August 2026.
Therefore, for workers scheduled to work on Monday, 24 August 2026, the day remains a regular working day. Work schedule arrangements may follow the policies of each company or institution.
The government has designated Tuesday, 25 August 2026 as a national holiday to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday. The date coincides with 12 Rabiul Awal 1448 Hijriah in the calendar published by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Prophet’s Birthday is an important day for Muslims, commemorated to remember the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and to reflect on his life and example. Because of its significance for Muslims, the government designates the Prophet’s Birthday as a national holiday every year.
Although it is not designated as a joint holiday, workers may still apply for annual leave on Monday, 24 August 2026 if they wish to have a longer break. Such requests are subject to the policies and approval of their respective companies or institutions. If personal leave on 24 August is approved, the public can enjoy a four-day holiday period from 22 to 25 August 2026, consisting of Saturday, 22 August, Sunday, 23 August, annual leave on Monday, 24 August, and the national holiday for the Prophet’s Birthday on Tuesday, 25 August.
After the national holiday for the Prophet’s Birthday on 25 August, the remaining national holidays in 2026 fall in December. Christmas is designated as a national holiday on Friday, 25 December 2026. The day before, Thursday, 24 December 2026, is designated as a joint holiday for Christmas. According to the government decree, both dates form the year-end holiday period. In conclusion, Monday, 24 August 2026 is not a public holiday and not a joint holiday for the Prophet’s Birthday. Those wishing to enjoy a long weekend from 22 to 25 August may apply for annual leave on 24 August in accordance with workplace rules and approval.