Can I take my kids out of school for Eid?
Yes, you can take your kids out of school for Eid, and in most of the UK, Europe and the USA it's an accepted religious absence. Eid is one of only two yearly Muslim celebrations, so it's worth making it a real day off. Tell the school in advance in writing, and keep it to the Eid day itself.
Eid is a big deal for kids
When the Prophet ﷺ came to Medina, people had two days of play. He said Allah had given them something better: the day of Adha and the day of Fitr (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134). On Eid he let two girls sing in his house, telling Abu Bakr, "Every people has its Eid, and this is our Eid" (Sahih al-Bukhari 952). Kids in Western countries see Christmas and other holidays all around them. Taking the day off tells them that their own festival matters just as much. See How do I celebrate Eid with my kids?
What the rules usually say
- England: the law treats a day set aside for religious observance by the parent's religion as a permitted absence, so the Eid day itself shouldn't count as unauthorised. Extra days around it may not be approved.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: schools generally authorise religious observance days too; check your school's attendance policy.
- USA: most states and districts excuse religious holidays, and some districts, such as New York City public schools, close on Eid.
- Europe: rules vary by country and region. Many allow religious absence with a written request; some require it a few weeks ahead.
Older students with exams can ask for alternatives too. See Can I ask for exam dates to be moved for Eid? And for teens asking for themselves, see Can I miss school for Eid?
How to ask the school
Send a short note or email a few weeks before: "Our family is Muslim and will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, expected on [date]. Our child will be absent that day for religious observance." Because Eid depends on the moon, add that the date might move by a day and that you'll confirm. See How do I know which day Eid is?
Ask the teacher for any work to catch up on, and keep it to one day where possible. A second day is a family decision, but in some countries it can bring fines or attendance warnings.
If the school says no
Stay polite and ask which policy they're applying. Often a quick call clears up confusion, since some staff simply don't know Eid moves with the moon. Local mosques, Muslim parent groups and councils are used to this and can help. If you must send them in, pray the Eid prayer early and celebrate after school.
- Eid is a religious holiday; taking kids out of school for it is accepted in most places.
- Tell the school in writing, ahead of time, and mention the date may shift.
- Keep it to the Eid day itself to avoid attendance problems.
- Make the day special so your kids feel the joy of their own festival.
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