Stories
California Recognizes Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Azha as State Holidays
- •Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation formally adding Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azha to California's list of state holidays.
- •The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) welcomed the move, addressing a longstanding demand from Muslim students and employees.
- •Authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, AB 2017 allows state and school employees to observe Eid using existing personal holiday credits or leave.
- •The legislation permits K-12 schools and community colleges to close for Eid through locally negotiated arrangements.
- •CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush stated the law removes barriers for Muslims balancing religious observance with academic or professional commitments, aligning with California's values of inclusion.
Key Questions Answered
Authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney, AB 2017 permits eligible state and public school employees to observe Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azha by using existing personal holiday credits, vacation, compensating time off, or annual leave. It also allows K-12 schools and community colleges to close through locally negotiated arrangements.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramzan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. Eid ul Azha is the second major festival in Islam, falling on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
CAIR-CA welcomed the signing of AB 2017 because it addresses longstanding demands by Muslim students and employees who previously faced structural barriers and had to choose between religious observances and professional or academic commitments. The group also noted that formal recognition sends a message that California supports religious inclusion amid rising concerns over hostility toward Islamic institutions.
