California Legislation Would Formally Recognize Islamic Holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

California is poised to become one of the first states formally recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays, pending final legislative approval and the governor’s signature. Assembly Bill 2017, authored by San Francisco Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney, cleared the lower chamber with overwhelming support in late May, securing 64 votes against just one opposition vote. The measure now requires Senate approval before the legislative session concludes Monday to reach Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.

Under the proposed law, state employees could use existing paid holiday credits to observe the two Islamic holy days, while public schools and community colleges would have the option to close in recognition of the celebrations. Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” concludes the month-long Ramadan period during which Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his son in obedience to God.

Proponents argue the legislation addresses longstanding inequities facing Muslim Californians in the workforce and education system. Haney stated that no student should be forced to choose between their religious observance and school attendance, and no worker should sacrifice faith practices for professional obligations. The bill reflects California’s responsibility to honor one of the nation’s largest and most active Muslim communities, supporters contend.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ California chapter highlighted how Muslim families have endured decades of difficult trade-offs between faith and employment or academic responsibilities. Hala Hijazi, founder of the Muslim Impact Council, recounted missing Eid celebrations with her family during her tenure with the San Francisco city government, describing the experience as emotionally difficult. If enacted, California would join Washington as states formally recognizing these holidays, though California’s approach would provide paid time off rather than unpaid leave.

The California Family Council, a conservative Christian organization, opposes certain school-related provisions while supporting religious time-off policies. The group contends that public schools currently lack authority to hold exercises celebrating Christmas, Easter, or Good Friday, arguing that the bill creates legal asymmetry favoring Muslim holidays over Christian and Jewish observances. Additionally, the council objects to provisions permitting schools to conduct exercises acknowledging Eid’s significance and a State Board of Education provision to develop curriculum guidance materials.

California would add Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to its existing official recognitions, which already include Lunar New Year and Diwali. Washington’s earlier recognition of these holidays established a precedent, though California’s framework extends further by guaranteeing paid leave through existing holiday credit systems.