States Recognize Muslim Holidays as Official Holidays

Growing cultural inclusion leads to state-level recognition of Eid holidays.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:21pm

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Several states, including Washington, New Jersey, Illinois, and California, have passed legislation to officially recognize the Muslim Eid holidays as state holidays. This reflects a growing trend of cultural inclusion and the increasing diversity of the American population.

Why it matters

The recognition of Muslim holidays as official state holidays is a significant symbolic gesture that represents the increasing religious and cultural diversity in the United States. It signals a shift towards greater inclusion and representation of minority religious groups in the public sphere.

The details

In 2025, Washington became the first state to officially recognize the Muslim Eid holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays. Other states, such as New Jersey, Illinois, and New York City, have also passed legislation to permit public institutions and schools to formally recognize Eid. In California, Democrats have introduced a bill (AB 2017) that would designate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.

  • In 2025, Washington state recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays.
  • In March 2026, California Democrats introduced legislation (AB 2017) to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington state who signed a bill into law that officially recognized the Muslim Eid holidays.

Matt Haney

The California state assemblymember who announced the introduction of AB 2017, a bill that would designate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.

Bilal Mahmood

A California politician who tweeted about the introduction of AB 2017 to make Eid an official state holiday.

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What they’re saying

“Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are among the most significant Islamic holidays, celebrated by millions globally, including more than 100,000 Washingtonians.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

What’s next

If passed, AB 2017 would make California the latest state to officially recognize the Muslim Eid holidays, following in the footsteps of states like Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois.

The takeaway

The growing recognition of Muslim holidays as official state holidays reflects the increasing religious and cultural diversity in the United States. This shift towards greater inclusion of minority religious groups in the public sphere is a significant symbolic gesture that represents the evolving nature of American society.