California Recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as State Holidays
California has officially recognized the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as holidays under state law, enabling workers to use existing paid leave for observance.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, September 28, 2026 —
California has enacted legislation that officially recognizes the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This recognition under state law allows workers to utilize their existing paid leave benefits for observing these significant religious occasions.
The new state law clarifies the status of these two major Islamic festivals, ensuring that employees have the flexibility to take time off for religious observance without it impacting their employment status or benefits, provided they use accrued paid leave. The recognition means that while these days are not designated as state-paid public holidays that would close government offices, employees can now formally request time off for them under existing paid leave policies.
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, are observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. The move by California aims to accommodate the religious practices of its diverse population by integrating these observances into the framework of state labor laws concerning paid leave.
Details regarding the specific implementation or any particular timelines for when this recognition takes full effect beyond its official acknowledgment under state law were not provided in the summary. The primary impact for employees is the clarification that existing paid leave can be applied to these religious holidays.
Story summarized from the original created by Gian Diloy on fox40.com, see more information here.
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