“Perhaps Saah Joseph doesn’t know that Muslim holidays are based on the lunar Hijri calendar, not a specific day,” –one of his fiercest critics informed The In Profile newspaper via mobile phone.
Ahead of the 2029 elections, Montserrado County Senator Saah Hardy Joseph, has promised to establish Muslim holidays, if elected president.
Whether Saah Joseph knows what constitutes Muslim holidays or not, critics say: Muslim holidays are based on the lunar Hijri calendar, not a specific day.
By that, Muslims are often move forward about 11 days annually on the Gregorian calendar.
The two major, mandatory festivals are Eid al-Fitr (sighting of the moon in the east), celebrating the end of Ramadan fasting, and Eid al-Adha, marking the Hajj pilgrimage and Abraham’s sacrifice.
“Aside from that, Ramadan does not fall in each proceeding month of the year: so, how can Saah Joseph establish Muslim holidays,” one critic commented.
However, with political momentum gradually building ahead of the 2029 presidential elections, Sen. Joseph, has announced a significant campaign pledge aimed at promoting “religious inclusion.”
He is the political leader of the newly certified opposition People’s Action Party (PAP).
Sen. Joseph, like President Joseph Boakai, hails from the Kissi tribal settlement in Lofa County.
During a recent public engagement in Monrovia, Sen. Joseph declared: “If elected president in 2029, my administration would officially recognize a national public holiday for Muslims.”
He added: “Once I take over as president in 2029, Muslims will indeed be granted a holiday.”
Liberia, known for its religious diversity, is home to both Christians and Muslim communities.
However, Christianity currently dominates the country officially recognized public holidays. While Muslims observe major religious celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, these occasions are not formally designated as national holidays.
Political observers view Sen. Joseph’s statement as a calculated rhetoric that underscores themes of “inclusivity and religious balance.”
Analysts suggest the proposal could also be an effort to strengthen support among Muslim voters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Supporters of the initiative argue that recognizing a Muslim holiday would foster national unity, enhance religious tolerance, and promote equal representation across the country’s diverse population.
On the other hand, critics caution that such promises should be accompanied by comprehensive policy plans addressing broader national concerns, including economic development, governance, and social cohesion.
Joseph’s statement come as though the opposition PAP, has unveiled its full policy agenda for the 2029 elections.
However, this announcement signals an early attempt by Sen. Joseph to shape national dialogue and position his campaign around issues of equity and inclusion.
As Liberia moves closer to the 2029 presidential race, debates surrounding religious recognition, and national identity are expected to play a prominent role in the evolving political landscape.