The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Prince William County, Virginia, school board’s decision to recognize the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha as an official school holiday and bumping the start of the year up a day.
[NOTE: Eid al-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha, commonly referred to as just “Eid,” commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. The holiday is celebrated with prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of meat to the needy, and social gatherings. During this holiday, Muslims exchange the greeting “Eid Mubarak” or “blessed Eid.”]
The Prince William County School Board amended the division’s 2025-26 school calendar Wednesday, unanimously voting to recognize Eid al-Adha as an official school holiday and bumping the start of the year up a day.
SEE: Prince William County schools adjust 2025-26 school calendar | Headlines | insidenova.com
“We welcome this decision by the Prince William County school board and encourage other school districts in Virginia and nationwide to follow suit,” said CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison. “Students of all faiths should be able to observe their religious holidays without having to miss school.”
He noted that CAIR offers an “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” which contains information on Islamic religious practices, dietary needs, as well as tips on curriculum issues.
CAIR’s guide contains information on Islamic religious practices, dietary needs, as well as tips on curriculum issues and family life sex education. Its focus is on K-12 settings.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com