Nuzul Al-Quran 2026 Malaysia: Date, Public Holiday States & Employer Guide

Nuzul Al-Quran is an important event for Muslims during the month of Ramadan. It marks the moment when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In Malaysia, Muslims usually remember this day with religious activities such as:

Tadarus Al-Quran (group Quran recitation)
Khatam Quran ceremonies
Religious talks or ceramah agama at mosques

These activities help Muslims reflect on the meaning and teachings of the Quran during Ramadan.

In 2026, Nuzul Al-Quran in Malaysia is expected to fall on 7 March 2026, which is the 17th day of Ramadan.

However, not every state in Malaysia observes Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday.

What Is Nuzul Al-Quran?

Nuzul Al-Quran refers to the beginning of the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In Malaysia, the event is traditionally observed on the 17 Ramadan every year.

Many Muslims mark this day by:

Reading or reciting the Quran
Joining tadarus sessions at the mosque
Attending religious talks
Participating in Quran-related programmes

For many Muslims, this day is a reminder of the importance of the Quran as guidance in daily life.

Nuzul Al-Quran 2026 Public Holiday in Malaysia

Nuzul Al-Quran is not a nationwide public holiday in Malaysia.

Instead, it is considered a state public holiday. This means each state government can decide whether to observe the holiday.

Because of this, employees in some states will get a public holiday, while others will continue working as usual.

For 2026, Nuzul Al-Quran falls on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

States That Observe Nuzul Al-Quran Public Holiday

The following states and federal territories observe Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday:

Kelantan
Kuala Lumpur
Labuan
Pahang
Perak
Perlis
Pulau Pinang
Putrajaya
Selangor
Terengganu

Employees working in these states may receive a public holiday on 7 March 2026, depending on company policies.

Government offices and some businesses may also be closed on that day.

States That Do NOT Observe Nuzul Al-Quran Public Holiday

The following states do not observe Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday:

Johor
Kedah
Melaka
Negeri Sembilan
Sabah
Sarawak

In these states, 7 March 2026 will normally be a working day.

Some of these states already observe other Islamic events as public holidays, such as:

Awal Ramadan
Israk Mikraj

Because of this, Nuzul Al-Quran may not be included in their public holiday calendar.

Replacement Leave for Nuzul Al-Quran 2026

In 2026, Nuzul Al-Quran falls on Saturday (7 March 2026).

Whether employees receive replacement leave depends on the state’s weekend system.

States With Saturday–Sunday Weekend

Examples include Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Pulau Pinang.

Since Saturday is already a rest day, replacement leave is usually not given.

States With Friday–Saturday Weekend

Examples include Kelantan and Terengganu.

In these states, the public sector may receive replacement leave on Sunday (8 March 2026).

For the private sector, replacement leave depends on the company’s policy.

Why Some States Do Not Observe This Holiday

Under the Holidays Act 1951, state governments in Malaysia can decide certain public holidays.

Because of this:

Nuzul Al-Quran is considered a state holiday, not a national holiday.
Each state can decide whether to include it in their holiday calendar.
Sabah and Sarawak follow separate holiday rules based on the diversity of religions and cultures in the states.

What Employers and HR Should Know

For employers and HR teams, it is important to understand how this holiday works.

Here are some things employers should check:

Confirm whether your state observes Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday
Check if replacement leave applies when the holiday falls on a weekend
Inform employees early about the public holiday arrangement during Ramadan
Review your company policy on public holidays and replacement leave

Since Nuzul Al-Quran is a state holiday, different offices may have different working arrangements.

Summary of Nuzul Al-Quran 2026

Here is a quick summary of Nuzul Al-Quran 2026 in Malaysia:

Date: 7 March 2026
Islamic date: 17 Ramadan
Public holiday: Depends on the state

Some states observe Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday, while others do not.

Replacement leave may also apply depending on the state weekend system and company policy.

FAQs

When is Nuzul Al-Quran 2026 in Malaysia?

Nuzul Al-Quran in Malaysia is expected to fall on 7 March 2026, which is the 17th day of Ramadan.

Is Nuzul Al-Quran a public holiday in Malaysia?

No. Nuzul Al-Quran is not a nationwide public holiday. It is a state-level public holiday, so only certain states observe it.

Which states observe Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday?

States such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Labuan, and Terengganu observe the holiday.

Which states do not observe the Nuzul Al-Quran public holiday?

The states that do not observe the holiday are Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Will employees get replacement leave if Nuzul Al-Quran falls on a weekend?

Replacement leave depends on the state weekend system and company policy.

For example, Kelantan and Terengganu may provide replacement leave for the public sector when the holiday falls on a weekend.

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