Islamic Holidays 2020
All Islamic Holidays and Observances in 2020
February 2020
- 25Tue
Start of Rajab (Sacred Month)
Rajab is one of the four sacred months. Its first day opens the season of Rajab, Sha'ban and Ramadan.
March 2020
- 22Sun
Isra and Mi'raj
The 27th of Rajab is widely observed as the night of the Isra and Mi'raj, the Prophet's ﷺ night journey to Jerusalem and ascension, when the five daily prayers were prescribed. The night begins at sunset on the evening before.
April 2020
- 8Wed
Mid-Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah)
The night of 15 Sha'ban (Laylat al-Bara'ah, Shab-e-Barat) is observed by many Muslims with prayer and seeking forgiveness. The night begins at sunset on the evening of the 14th.
- 24Fri
First Day of Ramadan
The first fast of Ramadan. The first Tarawih prayer is held the night before, after the crescent is sighted or the month is announced, and the first suhoor is eaten before dawn.
May 2020
- 10Sun
Battle of Badr Anniversary
The Battle of Badr, the first major battle of Islam, was fought on 17 Ramadan 2 AH. The Quran calls it the Day of the Criterion (Yawm al-Furqan).
- 14Thu
Last Ten Days of Ramadan Begin
The last ten nights of Ramadan begin on the night of the 21st. They include Laylat al-Qadr, and many Muslims spend them in i'tikaf.
- 20Wed
Laylat al-Qadr (27th Night)
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3). It is sought in the odd nights of the last ten; the 27th night, beginning at sunset on the evening of the 26th, is the most widely observed.
- 23Sat
Last Day of Ramadan
The last fasting day of Ramadan. If the Shawwal crescent is sighted that evening, Eid al-Fitr begins the next morning.
- 24Sun
Eid al-Fitr(holiday)
The Festival of Breaking the Fast begins on 1 Shawwal with the Eid prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is paid before the prayer, and it is a public holiday of one to three days or more in most Muslim countries.
July 2020
- 22Wed
First Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijjah Begin
The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year for good deeds (Sahih al-Bukhari). Those planning to offer a sacrifice traditionally stop cutting their hair and nails until it is made.
- 29Wed
Day of Tarwiyah (Hajj Begins)
The 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Day of Tarwiyah, when pilgrims go to Mina and the rites of Hajj begin.
- 30Thu
Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the greatest day of Hajj, when pilgrims stand at Arafat. Muslims who are not on pilgrimage are encouraged to fast it.
- 31Fri
Eid al-Adha(holiday)
The Festival of Sacrifice begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah with the Eid prayer, followed by the sacrifice (qurbani or udhiyah). The 11th to 13th are the Days of Tashreeq.
August 2020
- 20Thu
Islamic New Year(holiday)
The first day of Muharram begins the new Hijri year. It is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries and a time to reflect on the Hijra of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah.
- 29Sat
Day of Ashura
The 10th of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day, the day Allah saved Musa (Moses) from Pharaoh, and recommended fasting the 9th or 11th with it. Shia Muslims also mourn the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala.
October 2020
- 29Thu
Mawlid al-Nabi(holiday)
The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, the most widely cited date of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ birth. Many Muslims gather to recite poetry and learn about his life; observance differs between communities.
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar used in Saudi Arabia. Where a month begins with a local sighting of the new crescent, a date can fall one day later; public holiday lengths also differ from country to country.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, First Day of Ramadan falls on Friday 24 April 2020 (1 Ramadan 1441 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Eid al-Fitr falls on Sunday – Tuesday 24–26 May 2020 (1–3 Shawwal 1441 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on Friday – Monday 31 July – 3 August 2020 (10–13 Dhu al-Hijjah 1441 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.
According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, Islamic New Year falls on Thursday 20 August 2020 (1 Muharram 1442 AH). Countries that rely on local moon sighting may observe it one day later.