California Recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as Official State Holidays

sajadi Editor : Widi - Thursday, 1 October 2026 - 15:09 WIB

Thursday, 1 October 2026 - 15:09 WIB

24 Views

California, MINA – A bill proposing the recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays in California, United States, has been signed into law. The legislation allows workers to use their existing paid leave to celebrate these holidays.

The law, known as AB 2017, officially recognizes the Islamic holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha under California state regulations as of September 10, according to FOX 40 on Thursday.

The rule was proposed to Governor Newsom by Assemblymember Matt Haney, in cooperation with a number of Muslim communities and organizations, in March. “California is home to one of the largest and most dynamic Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect,” Haney said in a press release.

“The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law is an important step to ensure that every Californian can celebrate their holidays with their families without having to make unnecessary sacrifices,” Haney said.

The passage of AB 2017 not only provides official state recognition of the two Eid holidays. The rule also provides the necessary means for schools and public sector workplaces to help citizens practice their faith without being hindered by burdensome career or academic obligations.

“AB 2017 reflects the Commission’s shared commitment to realizing a California where public institutions recognize and respect the communities they serve,” said Chair of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Jason Paguio, in the press release.

“By officially recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, our state affirms the cultural significance of these celebrations while providing practical means for schools and public sector workplaces to support those who celebrate them,” Jason said.

The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays in California is a significant milestone for the Muslim community in the United States. California is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, with vibrant communities in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

The bill, AB 2017, was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney in March 2026 and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September. The law does not mandate that schools and employers close on these holidays but rather allows workers to use their existing paid leave to celebrate them. It also encourages schools and public sector workplaces to accommodate Muslim students and employees who wish to observe these holidays.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)