Iraq: Official public holiday in Baghdad Governorate to mark the anniversary of the death of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad
[61744] Iraq: Official public holiday in Baghdad Governorate to mark the anniversary of the death of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad
The governorate authorities in Baghdad have declared this coming Sunday an official day off for state employees, excluding essential service departments, to mark the anniversary of the death of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.
Baghdad Governorate declares a day off to mark the anniversary of the death of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad
On Friday, May 16, 2026, several Iraqi media outlets announced the decision by Baghdad authorities to suspend the governorate's institutions this coming Sunday, May 18. The decision comes against the backdrop of marking the anniversary of the death of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (peace be upon him).
According to the Head of the Baghdad Provincial Council, the day off applies to the provincial council employees themselves. Parallel reports from Iraqi Students Channel and Ibn Baghdad confirmed the official announcement, emphasizing the religious importance of the event.
Meanwhile, Al-Sabah Iraqi Newspaper clarified that Baghdad Governorate ordered the suspension of classes and work at the "Governorate Diwan and its affiliated departments," but qualified the announcement by noting it does not apply to "service departments" (essential services). Baghdad Today News Agency also confirmed the government move, which highlights the official status that Iraq grants to events related to Shiite heritage.