Eid Al Fitr and Your Workplace Rights in Ontario for Muslim Employees

Written by Muslim Legal Support Centre

Published in News

Are you a Muslim Employee in Ontario who may need to take Eid off?

Check out this Guide: Eid Al Fitr 2026, Requesting Time Off by the Muslim Legal Support Centre

Disclaimer: this information should not be interpreted as legal advice or construed as such.

Whether you work a 9-5 desk job, rotating shifts, or retail hours, the Ontario Human Rights Code protects your right to observe religious holidays.

This guide will cover what your rights are and how to be your own advocate.

Mark Your Calendar

Eid al-Fitr depends on the moon sighting, but is expected to fall on:

Friday March 20" OR Saturday, March 21*

Know Your Rights

The Rule: Employers have a "Duty to Accommodate." They must give you time off for religious holidays unless it causes "Undue Hardship" (e.g., a major safety risk or excessive cost).

The Reality: "It’s busy" or "We are short-staffed" are usually not valid legal reasons to deny you the day off.

Choose Your Strategy: Option A

Option A: The 9-5 / Fixed Schedule

Use a Paid Vacation Day: This guarantees you get paid for the day.

Make-Up Time: Offer to work a different day (e.g., the Saturday before) in exchange for taking Friday off.

Unpaid Leave: You can request the day off without pay if you have no vacation time left.

Choose Your Strategy: Option B

Option B: Shift Work / Retail / Irregular Hours

Book "Unavailable": If your workplace uses a scheduling app, mark March 20 & 21 as "Unavailable - Religious Holiday" now. Do not wait for the schedule to be posted.

The Swap: Find a coworker willing to cover your shift. Employers generally must allow this.

Partial Day: If you can't take the whole day, ask to start your shift after Eid prayers (e.g., "I can come in at 2 PM, but I need the morning off").

TEMPLATE: How To Ask

Subject: Upcoming Religious Accommodation - Eid al-Fitr

Hi [Manager Name],

I am writing to request time off to observe Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan

The holiday is based on the lunar calendar and is expected to fall on either Friday, March 20" or Saturday, March 21st.

[Choose one option below]:

Option 1 (Vacation): "I would like to use a vacation day for this absence."

Option 2 (Swap/Coverage): "I have spoken to [Coworker Name], and they have agreed to cover my shift for that day."

Option 3 (Unpaid/Make-up): "I am happy to take this as unpaid leave or make up the hours on another day.”

I will confirm the exact date as soon as the moon sighting is announced. Thank you for supporting my religious observance.

Best, [Your Name]

What If They Say No?

1. Get it in writing: Ask them to email you the specific reason for the denial.

2. Don’t quit: Keep working if it is safe to do so while you seek advice.

3.Call us: A denial without a valid reason may be discrimination.

We are Here to Help

If you are unsure about your rights, or if your employer has denied your request, the Muslim Legal Support Centre is here for you.