German State Recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as Official Holidays for Muslims

German State Recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as Official Holidays for Muslims
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The German state of Schleswig-Holstein has introduced a new agreement granting Muslims official leave on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, aligning their rights with those of other religious communities. The agreement was signed with the Association of Islamic Cultural Centers in northern Germany, which represents around 12,000 members across several cities.

Education Minister Dorit Stenke told Kieler Nachrichten that the move underscores the message that “Muslims are part of our society.” Under the arrangement, both school students and employees will be able to take leave during the two major Islamic festivals, as is already the case with Christian and Jewish holidays.

The agreement also recognizes the association’s right to operate its cultural and educational institutions, contribute to imam training, and opens the possibility of introducing Islamic religious education in schools. Germany is home to an estimated 5.6 million Muslims and around 2,600 Islamic organizations, making the decision a step toward greater inclusivity and mutual respect.