California Officially Recognises Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha Holidays

California has officially recognised Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha in state law, marking a significant development for the US state’s Muslim community.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the relevant Assembly Bill into law, according to US media reports.

The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) welcomed the move, saying the legislation formally recognises the two major Islamic festivals in state law.

Under the legislation, Muslim employees in California will be able to use their already accrued leave to observe Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

The measure seeks to address a longstanding concern among Muslim residents who have often had to choose between attending Eid prayers and religious celebrations or meeting school and workplace obligations.

The legislation does not necessarily mean that all government offices, schools or businesses will close on Eid. Instead, it provides formal recognition of the two religious occasions and facilitates the use of existing leave entitlements by Muslim employees who wish to observe them.

The bill was introduced in early March by California Assemblymember Matt Haney.

Haney said California was home to one of the country’s largest and most vibrant Muslim communities and that their traditions deserved recognition and respect.

The move adds Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha to religious observances formally recognised under California law, providing Muslim residents greater flexibility to celebrate two of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar.