What does Eid Mubarak mean and how should you reply to the greeting?
Muslims will soon be celebrating Eid al-Adha (Picture: Getty Images)
During Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha you will notice many people saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ to one another.
Eid al-Fitr, means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast ‘– it is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month during which many adult Muslims fast.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated just over two months later – it means ‘feast of the sacrifice’ and takes place at the same time as many Muslims perform the Haji pilgrimage.
This five-day journey takes people to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city in Islam – all Muslims who are able have to complete Hajj at least once in their life.
For 2024, it’s likely that Eid al-Adha will fall on Sunday, June 16 – the date of the celebration is dependent on when the new crescent moon is sighted.
The traditional greeting for both celebrations is ‘Eid Mubarak’ which is used by Muslims during the holy festivals around the world. What does it mean – and how can you wish someone a happy Eid?
Eid-Al-Adha seeing people saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ in greeting (Picture: Getty Images)
What does ‘Eid Mubarak’ mean?
‘Eid’ translates to English as ‘celebration’ whilst ‘Mubarak’ means ‘blessed’ – so together the phrase means ‘blessed celebration’.
It’s a time for families to get together (Picture: Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters)
That is the literal translation but it can be translated as ‘have a blessed holiday’ or simply ‘Happy Eid’.
The greeting is more of a cultural tradition than a religious requirement, but it is very common during the two religious holidays.
Is there a reply to ‘Eid Mubarak’?
Prayers are performed throughout Eid festivities (Picutre: Gokhan Balci/Getty)
If someone says Eid Mubarak to you, it is polite to respond by saying ‘Khair Mubarak’, which wishes goodwill on the person who greeted you.
You could also say ‘JazakAllah Khair’ which means thank you, but literally translates as ‘May Allah reward you with goodness’.
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