Algiers – The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments has announced that the first day of the month of Rajab for the year 1447 AH will fall on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This announcement marks the commencement of a long-standing religious and scholarly tradition in Algeria.
Each year, with the arrival of Rajab, Algerian mosques initiate the public reading of Sahih al-Bukhari, a revered collection of hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). These readings take place in scholarly gatherings overseen by imams and religious scholars.
According to the Ministry’s statement, the reading of Sahih al-Bukhari will begin on the first Monday of Rajab and continue regularly until its completion on the 26th of Ramadan. This practice has been observed in mosques across the nation for centuries, reflecting Algeria’s rich religious heritage.
The Ministry emphasized that this tradition is an integral part of Algeria’s religious and scholarly identity. Throughout history, Algerian scholars have been dedicated to reviving the study of the Prophet’s teachings during specific seasons, recognizing their profound significance. This includes honoring the hadith, connecting worship with knowledge, and strengthening the national religious framework.
To further promote this tradition, the Ministry announced a comprehensive scholarly seminar to be held at Dar al-Imam in Algiers. The event, under the patronage of the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Youcef Belmahdi, will be broadcast and followed by imams across the country via video conferencing.
The Ministry concluded its statement by urging imams and mosque-goers to actively participate in these scholarly gatherings, affirming their vital role in preserving the national religious identity, promoting moderation and balance, and reinforcing the connection to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Sahih al-Bukhari, formally titled “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad al-Sahih al-Mukhtasar min Umur Rasul Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam wa Sunanih wa Ayyamih,” is considered one of the most authentic and comprehensive collections of hadith in Islam. It contains over 7,000 hadith, compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari over a period of 16 years from an initial pool of approximately 600,000 narrations.
