Eid in Washington: Steps toward inclusion and equity | Opinion
In Washington state, we pride ourselves on fostering diversity and inclusion. Yet, an essential part of our community remains unrecognized – the more than 100,000 Muslims living in Washington.
Last Sunday, Muslim Americans — our neighbors, colleagues, classmates and friends — celebrated one of their most significant religious holidays of the year, Eid al-Fitr. The other, celebrated on June 6 and 7 this year, is Eid al-Adha. However, these sacred days are not officially acknowledged by the state.
As Muslim Americans, we know when Christmas is. It is woven into the fabric of our society and calendars. Yet, when Eid arrives, many of us must choose between religious obligations and professional or academic responsibilities.
Students often miss school to celebrate Eid with their families because the academic calendar does not account for this reality. Muslim students have had to choose between attending milestone events — such as graduation — or observing their religious holiday because school administrators failed to recognize its significance.
Likewise, working Muslim adults frequently struggle to take time off for Eid. Many are also unable to attend Jummah Prayer, Islam’s equivalent of Sunday service, which is held on Fridays, due to work obligations. This lack of accommodation highlights a broader issue of religious inclusivity.
Senate Bill 5106 seeks to change that by granting legislative recognition to Eid, ensuring that Muslim Washingtonians feel seen, valued, and respected. Importantly, this bill does not call for additional paid state holidays; it simply asks for official legislative recognition, just as we recognize Lunar New Year, public lands day, and yes, even water safety day.
As the only Muslim lawmaker in the state House of Representatives, I introduced companion legislation, House Bill 1434 because I’ve seen firsthand how learning about diverse holidays fosters unity. Schools teach about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, making these celebrations widely understood and respected. However, Muslim students often feel their faith and traditions are invisible in the classroom.
This bill serves as a reminder of my own days as a student and offers hope for youth like my 15-year-old brother and his peers, who live in a world that celebrates both our differences and our unity.
When it comes to contributing to society, Muslims have been anything but invisible. Historically, they pioneered surgery, algebra, universities, hospitals, and even invented the toothbrush. More recently, influential Muslim Americans like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Mahershala Ali and Ilhan Omar have helped shape our culture, sports and civil rights movements.
Despite these contributions, most people cannot name three Muslim inventions, three influential Muslims, or even the two holidays this bill seeks to recognize.
This lack of awareness is not harmless — it reflects a deeper marginalization of Muslim identity in American society. For too long, negative narratives have shaped how Muslims are perceived leading to widespread discrimination.
More than 50% of Muslim students have faced bullying in some states, and nearly 40% of Muslims have reported experiencing heightened discrimination since the ongoing violence against Gaza began. Another 10% report encountering discriminatory policies and practices at work once a week or more. Muslim communities have frequently been “othered” in policy and public discourse.
Having the governor sign Senate Bill 5106 into law is a statement of progress, sending a clear message within and beyond Washington’s borders that our state values Muslim residents.
This legislation is about more than marking a date on the calendar — it is about fostering understanding, respect and representation. While cherishing our constitutional freedom as Americans to celebrate and practice our faiths free of fear and judgment, we must ensure that recognition and inclusion extend to all communities.
Muslims are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal recognition.