So what exactly is Eid? Often described as the "Christmas for Muslims" by many, Eid-al Fitr and EId-al-Adha are religious holidays of significance in Islam. They're celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated as a tribute to those who completed their pilgrimage in Makkah (Hajj) and is an opportunity for Muslims to follow the spirit of sacrifice done by Abraham when he was about to sacrifice his son. In Muslim-majority countries around the world such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. people often buy sacrificial animals to sacrifice on Eid.
Christmas is always given a break. The reason it receives so much recognition is due to the number of Christians that make up America's largest religious demographic. As Islam quickly grows to become America's 2nd largest religion, it would be reasonable to give a holiday for Eid.
Recently, a petition was created for students in Wake County in North Carolina to receive a break during Eid-al Fitr. The county currently recognizes two Hindu holidays and a Jewish holiday where these days are listed as teacher work days. It allows students of those religions to be able to celebrate them. So why shouldn't Eid be included?
Eid has always been a celebratory day for Muslims.
Visiting family and friends, receiving/exchanging gifts, and the delicious food makes this holiday so special. It holds so much significance, both religiously and culturally. But without a day to celebrate, students and parents are often stuck at school/work. A time will come where people will be so immersed in their work that they'll forget to visit the mosque, that children will forget the importance of Eid and think of it as a regular, mundane day. Wake county making efforts for Eid to be known as a national holiday is a huge step in the right path, but I know it's a long road until we can have an excused day without getting penalized for.
