(SEATTLE, WA, 4/2/2025) – The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today celebrates the passage of the “Eid bills” in the Washington state legislature, marking one step closer to making Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha recognized state holidays.
[About Eid: Eid al-Fitr is the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and prayer. Eid al-Adha is a festival marking the end of the hajj pilgrimage and commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail.]
Members of CAIR-WA, along with many advocates and community members, joined Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Rep. Osman Salahuddin at the bill reading and reception for Senate Bill 5106 at the State Capitol in Olympia on Monday, March 31 celebrating the bill’s passage through both chambers of the legislature. The bill will now go to the desk of Governor Bob Ferguson to be signed into law.
“This is an amazing step for our community, to be seen and heard by our state elected officials,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA Executive Director. “During a time when there is so much depressing news out there, this is a spot of hope for Muslims in Washington state.”
“As the first Muslim in this chamber, I am deeply honored and proud to share Senate Bill 5106 passed the House!” said Representative Osman Salahuddin, the first Muslim Washington state House representative. “Recognition of Eid is not just symbolic but a step toward equity. This is deeply meaningful to happen on Eid Al-Fitr as well.”
CAIR-WA has been actively working with legislators and advocating for the passage of this bill prior to and during the 2025 legislative session, as well as leading community members to discuss the bill during its recent Muslim Day at the Capitol at the end of February.
In previous years, Muslim students have faced conflicts between school district graduation dates and the Islamic calendar’s holiest days. The passage of these bills is an important step in recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which may help inform school districts prior to academic calendars being created and facilitate time off requests in schools and workplaces.
SEE: Muslim Students Face Choice Between Graduation and Eid ul Adha Celebrations
CAIR-WA looks forward to the bill-signing ceremony with Governor Bob Ferguson and community organizations, which will make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha state holidays. The ceremony will likely be held in Tacoma in the coming months.
According to CAIR-WA’s landmark 2024 Washington Muslim Survey, 10% of Muslims experience discriminatory policies and practices at work once a week or more often, and 9% experience discriminatory policies and practices at school once a week or more often. Sixty-nine percent of Muslims experienced any discriminatory policies and practices in the past year. This year alone, CAIR-WA’s legal team has assisted nearly a dozen Muslim community members with requests for religious accommodations in the workplace.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.