Malaysia Nuzul Al-Quran Holiday
Nuzul Al-Quran, a Muslim holiday during Ramadan, is a public holiday in Malaysia. It is a national holiday except in the states of Kedah, Melaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah and Sarawak.
| Date | Day | Public Holiday | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 May | Sunday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2020 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
| 29 Apr | Thursday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2021 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
| 19 Apr | Tuesday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2022 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
| 8 Apr | Saturday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2023 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
| 27 Mar | Wednesday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2024 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
17 Mar | Monday | Nuzul Al-Quran 2025 | KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG |
What is Nuzul Al-Quran in Malaysia All About?
Nuzul Al-Quran happens during Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslim calendar. Its celebrations mark the start of the Quran’s revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan in Malaysia is a month-long celebration. During this time, Muslims frequent the mosque for prayers and fast for a month.
Although Muslims don’t claim to know the precise day that Muhammad received these revelations, Malaysia observes Nuzul Al-Quran on the 17th. Many Sunni Muslims, however, observe this day on the 27th of Ramadan. Nuzul Al-Quran commemorates the day Muhammad was visited by the angel Jibrail to receive the teachings of Allah. The Prophet was said to have been visited by Jibrail while meditating in a cave on Mount Hira.
How Do They Celebrate It?
Despite being a primarily Muslim country, Nuzul Al-Quran is only a public holiday in certain states in Malaysia. These states normally have the largest Muslim populations. East Malaysia is excluded from this, along with a few selected states in West Malaysia.
On this day, Muslim men and children will dress in robes and head to the nearest local mosque. There, they will chant in Arabic and read the Quran out loud. Since it falls during the holy month of Ramadan, it is a deeply spiritual time Muslims. As they read from the verses of the Quran (the holy book), they take time to understand the messages within.
What to Do During Nuzul Al-Quran in Malaysia
Since not all states in Malaysia observe this holiday, schools and offices will continue to operate as per usual. For the affected states, some offices and all schools will be closed. Certain venues may continue operations, depending on the establishment.
Nuzul Al-Quran is celebrated in a spiritual fashion, and as such, it is like any other normal day in Malaysia. Local Muslims spend the day with their families or at the mosque in prayers. Fasting from sunrise to sunset will continue as normal. Outside Malaysia, Muslims alongside western tourists may choose to visit the same cave these events took place over 1,400 years ago.
