The United States federal government will be closed from Saturday, June 15th, to Tuesday, June 18th, in observance of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha. This extended closure encompasses both a significant Islamic holiday and a day of spiritual reflection leading up to it.
Arafat Day, the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims around the world observe this day with fasting and prayer, commemorating the Prophet Abraham's (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice, " follows immediately after Arafat Day. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and is celebrated by Muslims with prayers, feasting, and charitable giving. Families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and commemorate the divine intervention that spared Ishmael and replaced him with a ram for sacrifice.
The closure of federal offices during this period acknowledges the importance of these holidays for Muslim federal employees and allows them to participate in traditional observances. Many private businesses are also expected to adjust their hours of operation to accommodate their Muslim employees during this time.
The federal government's decision to close for Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha reflects the growing diversity of the American workforce and the importance of religious tolerance. It allows Muslim federal employees to celebrate their faith freely and connect with their cultural heritage.