California May Recognize Islamic Holidays

California is on the verge of formally acknowledging two significant Islamic holidays, as a new piece of legislation aims to offer state employees increased options to take time off and permit public schools to close in observance of these days.

The legislation, which has gained substantial support in the state Assembly and is pending action in the Senate, seeks to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha within state law. It may soon land on the desk of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 2017, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney from San Francisco, passed with a 64-1 vote in the Assembly in late May. To reach Governor Newsom, it must still clear the Senate before the legislative session concludes on Monday.

The bill would allow state employees to use their existing paid holiday time for Eid observances, while public schools and community colleges could be shut down to honor the holidays.

“California hosts one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the nation, and their traditions warrant recognition and respect,” Haney stated in a news release regarding the bill back in March. “No student should face the choice between celebrating one of their faith’s holiest days and attending school, nor should any worker sacrifice their religious practices.”

Haney also emphasized that the bill is about equality for Muslim Californians, saying, “AB 2017 is aimed at ensuring that Muslim residents are acknowledged, valued, and treated with dignity, just like every other community in our state.”

Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” signifies the conclusion of Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting which lasts from dawn to sunset. On the other hand, Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Supporters of the bill argue that it would facilitate participation in Eid prayers and allow Muslim families to celebrate the holidays together.

“For many years, Muslim families throughout California have had to juggle an unfair challenge between their faith commitments and their professional or educational responsibilities,” remarked Oussama Mokeddem, legislative and government affairs director for the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). He stated that AB 2017 is a significant move toward guaranteeing that Muslim students can celebrate Eid with the same respect and accommodations that other faith groups receive.

Hala Hijazi, founder of the Muslim Impact Council, recounted a difficult experience from her earlier career when she missed Eid celebrations with her family while employed by the city of San Francisco. “It was incredibly hard not to be with my family,” she shared, adding that they would typically enjoy lunch together following Eid al-Fitr services.

Meanwhile, the California Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group, has voiced opposition to the bill’s provisions regarding schools, while generally supporting the idea of allowing students to take time off for religious observances.

The group takes issue with the language permitting schools to conduct activities that “acknowledge and celebrate the significance” of Eid. They also expressed concern over a provision that would allow the State Board of Education to create a model curriculum guide for these activities.

“There is no California law allowing public schools to hold celebrations for Christmas, Easter, or Good Friday,” the group argued in a statement, suggesting that Christian and Jewish holidays have not been given similar consideration. “This discrepancy is embedded in the legislation.”

If enacted, this law would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays in California, adding to other observances like Lunar New Year and Diwali.

California wouldn’t be the first state to acknowledge these Islamic holidays; Washington State was the pioneer in doing so, as per the Sacramento Bee. However, Hijazi pointed out that California’s proposal would be more inclusive since it would allow state workers to use paid holiday credit, whereas Washington only permits unpaid time off.