California has officially recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as holidays, allowing employees and students to observe the Muslim celebrations. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill, AB 2017, which was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, on September 29, 2026. The law adds the two Muslim holidays to the state's legal calendar, making it easier for employees and students to take time off to observe them.
The bill allows state employees to use their accrued leave or existing holidays to observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The law takes into account the fact that the dates of the Muslim holidays are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and change each year. This provision also applies to school personnel, allowing them to take time off to observe the holidays without conflicting with their professional obligations.
The law also permits public schools and community colleges to close on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, subject to local agreements between school authorities and employee representatives. However, the recognition of these holidays does not automatically require all schools, administrations, or businesses to close. Schools and local authorities retain the flexibility to organize their calendars as needed.
The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays in California is a civil recognition of their cultural significance to the state's Muslim communities. The law aims to facilitate better planning for holidays, school absences, and public services. The bill was supported by various organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, and the Muslim Impact Council.
CAIR-CA welcomed the signing of the bill, stating that it will make it easier for Muslims to practice their faith without conflicting with their professional or school obligations. The organization estimates that there are approximately one million Muslims living in California, and this recognition is an institutional acknowledgment of their presence and practices in the state.
With this law, California joins other US states that have recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays. The law establishes a framework for state administrations and schools to take into account these celebrations, but it does not make them mandatory holidays for the entire state. Instead, it provides a legal basis for schools and authorities to accommodate the needs of Muslim employees and students.
The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California reflects the state's cultural and religious diversity. The law is seen as a positive step towards promoting understanding and accommodation of Muslim practices in the state. The Muslim community in California has welcomed the development, seeing it as a recognition of their contributions to the state's rich cultural heritage.
Key points
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signs bill recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays.
- The law allows employees and students to take time off to observe the Muslim celebrations.
- The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha reflects California's cultural and religious diversity.
