The Path to Washington State’s Historic Eid Bill

Gov. Bob Ferguson signs the Bill in the presence of community members and State Rep. Osman Salahuddin. Photo Cred: Legislative Support Services.

On April 8, Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) signed a bill officially recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as holidays in the state (SB 5106). Around 250 Muslims and supporters from across the state gathered at the Islamic Center of Tacoma’s (ICT) newly constructed center to celebrate a triumphant conclusion to months of persistent effort.

This milestone makes Washington the first state to officially recognize these two Muslim holidays, allowing state employees and public school students to request time off to observe. As of July 27, these holidays are recognized as part of Washington’s official observance of cultural holidays.

A Community-Driven Initiative

The passage of SB 5106 resulted from a coordinated effort by numerous individuals and organizations within Washington including Muslim Student’ Associations across the state, the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS), the Washington Education Association, a number of Islamic centers, and the Washington for Peace and Justice initiative. It was first introduced by Yasmin Trudeau (D), Washington’s first Muslim senator, on Dec. 23, 2024. “My goal with this bill was to both ensure that Muslims living in Washington feel seen by their government, and that people unfamiliar with our community have an opportunity to learn about it and our community,” Trudeau told Islamic Horizons.

The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D), the state’s first Muslim representative and youngest House member in Washington State history. He also introduced a companion House bill (HB 1434) to acknowledge both Eids, though Trudeau’s Senate bill ultimately became law. “Too often, Muslim students must choose between celebrating Eid or attending school events like graduation. Working adults struggle to take time off or attend Friday prayers due to a lack of accommodations. This isn’t just about holidays — it’s about visibility, equity, and respect,” Salahuddin said.

Muslims mobilized statewide to support the legislation through voting and providing testimony at legislative hearings. A public sign-in process revealed the bill had 704 supporters, 718 opponents, and 13 indicating other positions. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations Washington (CAIR-WA), opposition to this bill may have stemmed from misconceptions that it would create a new paid state holiday when it actually designates Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as legislatively recognized holidays. Through it all, SB 5106 unified community members who encouraged each other to participate in the democratic process.

The bill’s public hearing took place on Jan. 28 when 11 individuals testified in support.

Hossain Alamin, an ICT member and tech executive who helped lobby House representatives from the 27th district, emphasized the importance of community engagement. “If we want public policy change that helps our community, we need to be the agent of change, meaning run for political office or enable those agents of change,” Alamin said. “Policy makers don’t necessarily know or understand what different ethnic and religious communities’ issues are.” 

CAIR-WA also played a crucial role in organizing lobbying efforts and community advocacy. “It was heartening to see community advocacy make a difference, for our community to be seen and heard by our state elected officials,” said CAIR-WA Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi. “During a time when there is so much depressing news out there, this was a spot of hope for Muslims in Washington state.”

Supporters witnessed the bill pass the Senate (47:1) on Feb. 26, the same day the Senate adopted a Ramadan resolution (SR 8618) also introduced by Trudeau. SB 5106 passed the House (68:29) on March 31. 

A Symbolic Venue

Signing SB 5106 at the ICT holds significance for the community; the previous center was destroyed in an arson attack in 2021, making the new building purchased in 2022 a testament to the community’s resilience. The ICT community, housed in the same district represented by Trudeau, continues fundraising for their new location, accepting donations at www.icoft.com.

The bill’s signing marks another historic first: the first time a governor has signed legislation outside the state Capitol in Olympia and in a house of worship. “We have witnessed history at our beloved Islamic Center of Tacoma,” said ICT President Nasser Al-Dobashi. “With Gov. Bob Ferguson signing the bill recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official Washington State holidays, our community feels seen, respected, and honored. This is a moment of pride for every Muslim family, and a legacy for our children and grandchildren to cherish.”

Ferguson echoed the message of visibility, respect, and honor for the Muslim community. “I think it also gives the Washingtonians, like me, an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of our Muslim neighbors, their culture, and our religion,” he said at the signing.

The journey from advocacy to law is a testament to how change is possible when communities unite with purpose and perseverance and can serve as inspiration for Muslims in other states to pursue similar legislation. After all, every historic first begins with someone believing it’s possible.