Republic of Benin (République du Bénin) • Africa/Porto-Novo

Islamic Date Today in Benin

Live Hijri date calibrated to the official Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB) Standard. Synchronized daily at 12:00 AM midnight (Africa/Porto-Novo).

Norme Officielle UIB Bénin

Official Civil & Religious Calibration

Africa/Porto-Novo (UTC +)

Sunday, November 15, 2026

5 Jumādá al-ākhirah 1448 AH

Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB) Standard • Day 5 of Jumādá al-ākhirah

Aujourd'hui : Dimanche

5 Joumada ath-Thania 1448 H

Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB)

Calendar System Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB) Standard

Reference Point Great Mosque of Porto-Novo (Afro-Brazilian Architectural Masterpiece) & Parakou

Civil Rollover 12:00 AM Midnight

Moon Sighting Body Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB) & Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo

Major Cities & Regions in Benin

All regions across Benin observe the official national Hijri date shown above:

Cotonou Littoral Department · Economic Capital & Zongo Central Mosque

Cotonou

Porto-Novo Ouémé Department · Constitutional Capital & Great Afro-Brazilian Mosque

Porto-Novo

Parakou Borgou Department · Northern Metropolis & Central Mosque

Parakou

Djougou Donga Department · Major Northern Muslim Center & Market Hub

Djougou

Kandi Alibori Department · Northern Sahelian Frontier Hub

Kandi

Bohicon Zou Department · Commercial Crossroads

Bohicon

Malanville Alibori Department · Niger River Border Market Town

Malanville

Natitingou Atakora Department · Somba Land & Atakora Mountains

Natitingou

Abomey Zou Department · Historic Dahomey Kingdom Capital

Abomey

Ouidah Atlantique Department · Historic Coastal & Heritage City

Ouidah

Key Islamic Events & Dates in Benin (1448 AH)

Muslims across Benin track official moon sighting declarations for major religious observances, particularly Ramadan and the two Eids:

Islamic Event	Hijri Date	Significance in Benin
Start of Ramadan Holy Month	1 Ramadan 1448 AH	Nationwide fasting begins; special nightly Taraweeh prayers across mosques
Laylat al-Qadr 27th Night	27 Ramadan 1448 AH	The Night of Power, marked by night vigils, Qiyam al-Layl, and Quran recitation
Eid al-Fitr Celebration	1 Shawwal 1448 AH	Official celebration marking the blessed conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan
Day of Arafah Pinnacle of Hajj	9 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH	Recommended voluntary Sunnah fasting day as pilgrims assemble on Mount Arafat
Eid al-Adha Feast of Sacrifice	10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH	Feast of the Sacrifice; communal morning Eid prayers and Qurbani / Udhiyah
Islamic New Year New Hijri Year	1 Muharram 1449 AH	Beginning of the new Hijri lunar year and commemoration of the historic Hijrah
Day of Ashura Sunnah Fast	10 Muharram 1449 AH	Recommended voluntary fasting day commemorating the deliverance of Prophet Musa (AS)

Islamic Date Today in Benin - 2D Motion Vector Illustration — Illustration The official Islamic lunar calendar system and the Hilal crescent moon in Benin.

Calendrier Lunaire & Patrimoine Afro-Brésilien au Bénin

How the Islamic Calendar Operates in Benin

In Benin, approximately 28% of the population is Muslim, with major majorities in the northern Borgou and Alibori departments and historic communities in Porto-Novo. The Islamic Union of Benin (UIB) oversees the national lunar calendar.

At a Glance: The Benin Calendar in 3 Key Points

The Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB) coordinates moon sighting committees in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, Djougou, and Kandi.
The Great Mosque of Porto-Novo, built in the early 20th century in Afro-Brazilian baroque style, is one of the most distinctive mosques in the world.
The civil date updates at 12:00 AM midnight (Africa/Porto-Novo, UTC+1), while canonical rites begin at sunset.

Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB)

The UIB brings together imams, scholars, and traditional leaders. On the 29th of each lunar month, observation posts in Porto-Novo, Parakou, and Djougou verify crescent sightings and broadcast national declarations on ORTB.

The Afro-Brazilian Mosque of Porto-Novo

Constructed by returned Afro-Brazilian Muslim Agudas (formerly enslaved people from Salvador da Bahia), the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo resembles a Brazilian church in exterior architecture while functioning as a celebrated mosque.

Day Transition Dynamics & Timezone

Benin operates on West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1). The liturgical day begins at Maghrib sunset, while digital dates update at 12:00 AM midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding the observation of the Islamic calendar, moon sighting, and prayer timings in Benin:

What is the Islamic date today in Benin?

The Islamic date today in Benin is calculated live according to the official decrees of the Union Islamique du Bénin (Africa/Porto-Novo).

What is unique about the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo?

It was designed in the Afro-Brazilian architectural style by repatriated Afro-Brazilians in the early 1900s, featuring colorful baroque stucco facades.

What percentage of Benin's population is Muslim?

Approximately 28% of the population of Benin is Muslim, predominantly concentrated in northern departments and major urban centers.

What is the primary Muslim organization in Benin?

The Union Islamique du Bénin (UIB), which coordinates mosques, imams, and religious education across the country.

Are Islamic holidays public holidays in Benin?

Yes, Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), and the Mawlid are statutory paid public holidays in Benin.

When does the date switch on this site?

At 12:00 AM midnight Porto-Novo time (UTC+1).

Looking for another country?

Check live, verified Hijri dates for 195+ countries across Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, Europe, Africa.

Back to Islamic Date Today (Main Page)