Tacoma, WA – Washington state has become the first in the nation to recognize two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as unpaid state holidays, following the enactment of Senate Bill 5106 this past Tuesday. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill, which passed the House on March 31st, the day after the end of Ramadan, during a ceremony at the Islamic Center of Tacoma attended by community members.
State Senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), the bill’s prime sponsor, reflected on the moment, saying, “Being there yesterday and understanding the impact this bill has on people and the emotions they felt… getting the bill passed is one thing, but being in community for it is a whole other level.”
Washington is home to over 100,000 Muslims who observe these two holidays annually. During the signing ceremony, Governor Ferguson highlighted Washington’s pioneering status as the first state to recognize the Eids as state holidays.
State Representative Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond), the House bill sponsor, called it “incredibly significant statewide,” explaining the difficulties many Muslims have faced balancing their religious observances with academic or professional responsibilities.
“Too many Muslim students have had to miss important events like graduations or face academic penalties simply for observing their faith,” Representative Salahuddin pointed out.
The new law aligns with other state statutes, allowing employees up to two days of unpaid leave per year for religious observances. It also mandates that higher education institutions accommodate student absences for religious or conscience reasons and adjust examination or school activity schedules accordingly.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated similarly, with families and community members gathering to share traditional meals and festivities. As the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the dates for these two holidays shift approximately ten days earlier each year.
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims, during which they fast from dawn until sunset, dedicating themselves to spiritual reflection and prayer. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion when he was commanded by God to sacrifice his son.
The bill garnered strong bipartisan support in the state legislature, with nearly 40 co-sponsors across both chambers and significant public backing.
In recent years, the Washington State Legislature has been actively expanding the list of recognized state holidays that commemorate cultural and religious observances. Last year, Lunar New Year was recognized as an unpaid state holiday.
Other unpaid state holidays in Washington include Korean American Day, César Chávez Day, Blood Donor Day, and Water Safety Day.
“This is something our community has been asking for a long time,” added Representative Salahuddin. “Now, community members will see themselves reflected in state law.”
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