**California Recognizes Eid as Official Holidays for Muslims**
California has officially recognized the major Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, making it the second state in the United States to do so. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law over the weekend, a decision that reflects the state's significant Muslim population, estimated to be around one million residents.
Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of Ramadan—the holy month of fasting for Muslims—will now be acknowledged alongside Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, which is celebrated during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Both occasions are marked by communal prayers and family gatherings, highlighting the importance of these festivals within the Muslim community.
The initiative was introduced by California lawmaker Matt Haney, who emphasized the importance of allowing Muslim families to celebrate these significant days without the burden of conflicting work or academic commitments. "Recognizing Eid would allow people to celebrate with their families without being forced to make unnecessary sacrifices," Haney stated.
Under the newly enacted law, there is no automatic provision for paid time off for workers, nor is there a requirement for government offices, courts, schools, or businesses to close on these holidays. State employees can utilize their existing leave to observe Eid, while public schools and community colleges may close if agreements are reached with staff.
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which co-sponsored the measure, expressed its support for the law's passage. The organization noted that for many years, Muslims have faced a challenging dilemma between fulfilling their religious obligations and meeting work or school responsibilities.
California follows Washington state, which became the first in the nation to recognize both Eid holidays in 2025. However, similar to California's law, Washington's legislation does not mandate paid leave for employees. Additionally, Eid has been recognized in various forms across the country; for instance, New York City public schools included both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in their academic calendar starting in 2015.
The recognition of these holidays comes at a time when the Muslim population in the United States has seen significant growth. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Muslims in the U.S. has more than doubled in less than two decades, increasing from approximately 2.4 million in 2007 to around 5.5 million in 2023.
The acknowledgment of Eid as an official state holiday in California is viewed as a step towards greater inclusivity and recognition of the diverse cultural and religious landscape of the state. As more states consider similar measures, the hope is that this trend will continue to foster understanding and respect for the traditions of the Muslim community across the nation.