Parliament Approves School Holiday for Last 10 Days of Ramadan
MPs have pushed through an urgent bid to grant all students time off during the last ten days of Ramadan, securing Parliament's backing on Tuesday. The push, led by five MPs, urges the government to put the break in place, arguing that the period holds deep spiritual meaning and offers an opportunity for young people to focus on worship without the distraction of schoolwork.
The motion, spearheaded by Hassan Eid Bukhamas, was backed by Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata, Dr Muneer Suroor, Mohammed Al Ahmed, and Mohammed Al Olaiwi. Bukhamas, who fronted the push, said the aim was to ensure students could make the most of one of the holiest stretches in the Islamic calendar.
The last ten days of Ramadan, he said, are not only a time of prayer and reflection but also include Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is described in the Quran as 'better than a thousand months'. Bukhamas argued that the days hold immense weight in Islam, with rewards for worship said to be multiplied and extra prayers strongly encouraged. He also pointed out that it's a time for spiritual renewal, when those who make the effort—particularly at night—are promised forgiveness for past sins.
Beyond that, he noted, the last stretch of Ramadan is when many Muslims take part in i'tikaf, a Sunnah practice where they withdraw from daily life to focus entirely on worship. The Prophet PBUH himself, he said, was known to spend these nights in intense prayer, making it a prime chance for believers to deepen their faith and reconnect with their spirituality.
Bukhamas said the move to grant students leave would help strengthen their religious ties and allow them to fully embrace the period without having to juggle school commitments. He also suggested it would have a positive impact on morale. The motion calls for all students in schools, colleges, and universities to be given the time off, ensuring they can dedicate themselves to prayer and reflection during this sacred period.
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