Ramadan and Eid al-Adha Officially Recognized in California

A significant regulation that closely concerns the Muslim community in the U.S. state of California has come into force. With the law AB 2017 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) have been added to the list of holidays recognized by the state in California.

The regulation not only officially recognizes the two major religious holidays in state law, but also introduces new provisions that allow Muslim students and public employees to observe their holiday days in accordance with their faith.

Newsom signed AB 2017.

AB 2017, introduced by California State Assembly member Matt Haney, became law after the legislative process was completed and Governor Gavin Newsom signed it.

Under the new regulation, Ramadan and Eid al-Adha were incorporated into the list of holidays recognized by the state under the California Government Code.

Thus, the two most important religious holidays of the Muslim community in California, where millions live, have been officially recognized in state law.

Schools and all public institutions will not close.

One of the regulation's most important details is the scope of the 'state holiday' definition.

The law's enactment does not mean that all state agencies, schools, and courts throughout California will automatically close during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.

State schools and community colleges could be closed on those days in line with required local regulations and agreements with employee representatives. Ramadan and Eid al-Adha are also not covered by the 'judicial holiday' that mandates court closures.

Therefore, the regulation, while officially recognizing the two holidays statewide, has a structure different from a conventional public holiday that would mandate mandatory closures for all institutions.

An opportunity for public employees to celebrate their holidays.

The new law also brings an important change for public employees. Instead of automatically granting employees two new paid leave days, it opens the possibility for them to celebrate Ramadan or Eid al‑Adha using their existing holiday and leave entitlements.

The purpose of the regulation is to prevent Muslim employees from having to choose between celebrating their religious holidays and their responsibilities in the workplace.

An important change for students as well.

The law's impact on education also draws attention. With the official recognition of Ramadan and Eid al‑Adha, educational institutions will find it easier to make arrangements related to these days.

Schools may close on holiday days if the necessary conditions are met. Educational institutions can also organize events related to the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Ramadan and Eid al‑Adha.

Thus, the aim is to reduce the problems Muslim students face when celebrating their religious holidays due to academic obligations.

Statement of satisfaction from CAIR

The American Islamic Relations Council (CAIR) welcomed the regulation with satisfaction after Newsom signed the law.

CAIR's California chapter highlighted that the regulation is significant for recognizing the place of Muslims in the state's social and cultural fabric. The organization stressed the importance of Muslim students and workers not having to choose between school or work life while practicing their faith.

Washington had taken the first step in 2025.

California's decision is not the first step taken in this direction in the U.S. The state of Washington had added Ramadan and Eid al-Adha to its list of state-recognized holidays in April 2025.

Instead of creating two new paid public holidays that would require all public institutions to close, Washington's regulation granted official status at the state level to the two religious holidays.

With California taking a similar step, another measure has been added to the initiatives aimed at recognizing Ramadan and Eid al‑Adha at the state level in the United States.

A new era for Muslims in California

The AB 2017 law that took effect in California, one of the United States’ most populous and culturally diverse states, is viewed as a noteworthy change, especially for Muslim students, families, and public employees.

The explicit recognition of Ramadan and Eid al‑Adha in state law will make these religious holidays more visible in education and the workplace.

However, it is emphasized that the new regulation does not mean that all schools and public institutions across California will be required to close during Ramadan and Eid al‑Adha. The law primarily grants official status to the two holidays, aiming to make it easier for Muslims to celebrate them in accordance with their faith.