It’s Eid morning. You have just taken Eid prayer. The khutbah has been delivered by the imam. Everyone is now turning to one another. Hugging. Shaking hands. Smiling.
“Eid Mubarak!” someone says to you.
You smile back. “Eid Mubarak to you too!”
Simple exchange. On hundreds of occasions each Eid morning. In every mosque. Every Muslim community. Worldwide.
But why have you ever wondered why? Why do we greet each other on Eid? Is there a proper way to do it? Specific words to say? Duas to make?
Or maybe you’re a new Muslim. Your first Eid is coming. You’re nervous. “What am I supposed to say? What if I get it wrong? But what happens if I greet with a wrong greeting?
Or did you grow up a Muslim, and you did not actually think about it. You have been talking about Eid Mubarak all your life and all other people do that. But you have no idea of whether there is more to it. Something deeper. Something from the Sunnah.
I would like to show you the beautiful tradition of Eid greetings and duas. The why, the what, and the how. So that you are not going to perform empty rituals at your next Eid celebration.
Purpose of Exchanging Greetings on Eid
It is not all about eating and praying in Eid. It’s about community. Connection. Expressing joy together.
The greetings do work to various ends:
Spreading Joy and Happiness
Eid is what Allah desires you to celebrate. A period of thirty days of fasting (Eid al-Fitr) or after Hajj (Eid al-Adha), you have completed with major worship. Now celebrate. Express happiness. Share it with others.
Eid Mubarak is one way of sharing happiness when you meet someone and wish them a happy day. This is a blessed day, you are saying. I’m happy. I want you to be happy too.”
Building Community Bonds
The greetings of Eid impose interaction. Even that gawky uncle of yours you haven’t heard a word out of, all year? You’ll greet him on Eid. Even the new family at the mosque? You will greet them with Eid salutations.
It breaks ice. Creates connections. Reminds us we’re one ummah.
Ahmed told me: “I’m introverted. Interpersonal relationships wear me out. But on Eid, I push myself. I greet everyone. Even people I don’t know. Since Eid is the time we build our community. One greeting at a time.”
Expressing Gratitude to Allah
It is not only people who are greeted. They’re acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings. Eid Mubarak literally translates to Blessed Eid. This day is blessed by Allah, You’re recognizing Allah made this day blessed. You are glorifying His forgiveness for making it through Ramadan or Hajj.
It’s gratitude wrapped in greeting.
Following Prophetic Example
The companions would greet each other on Eid. This was made the Islamic tradition. When you shake hands during Eid, you are carrying on the tradition that has been taking place over 1400 years.
That’s beautiful. You are a part of an endless line of Muslims celebrating together, embracing each other, making them happy the way companions of the Prophet were.
Eid Greetings as a Sunnah Practice
Is the shaking hands at Eid really Sunnah? Or is it simply cultural tradition?
The Evidence
Jubayr ibn Nufayr said that whenever the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) gathered on the day of Eid they would greet each other; each saying to the other: Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink (May Allah accept us and you).
This is authentic. The companions did this. They had been taught through the example of the Prophet to celebrate and interact with each other.
Yes, therefore Eid greetings are founded on prophetic practice and companions’ tradition.
How Important Is It?
It’s not obligatory. You will not sin at not greeting people. But it’s strongly encouraged. It is through the beautiful practices (masnun) that complete Islam.
Other scholars refer to it as sunnah muakkadah- stressed sunnah. Some simply remarked that it is good Islamic etiquette.
Either way, do it. The reward is there. The social benefit is real. Its happiness can be felt.
Fatima told me: I would hurry out of Eid prayer. To my car. Home. Be out of the ruck. One year I had to make myself stay. Greet people. Hug sisters. Say Eid Mubarak to everyone. I left feeling so… full. Connected. Happy. Now I never rush. The meetings are half the Eid experience.
Common Eid Greetings in Islam
What should you actually say? The following are the most typical authentic greetings:
“Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid)
This is the most universal. Arabs use it. Non-Arabs use it. Everyone recognizes it. Simple, beautiful, blessed.
Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink (May Allah receive us and we and you)
This is the greeting of the companion. More specific. You are praying on behalf of the individual. Requesting Allah to dispose of their worship.
On Eid al-Fitr you are requesting Allah to accept their day of Ramadan. During Eid al-Adha, they make their Hajj or sacrifice.
This is my favorite. It’s not just “happy holiday.” It’s “I’m praying your worship was accepted.”
Kullu am wa antum bi-khayr (May you be well every year)
Common in Arab countries. Literally: Every year and you are in good.
“Eid Sa’id” (Happy Eid)
Simple. Direct. “Happy Eid.” Can’t go wrong with this.
“Ayyadak Alluh bi-sa’ada” (May Allah make your Eid happy).
Less common but beautiful. You want Allah to wish them a merry Eid.
Mix and Match
You can combine these. “Eid Mubarak! Taqabbal Alluh minna, wa mink!
First, the general greeting. Then the specific dua. Both together? Even better.
Arabic vs Local Language Eid Greetings
Here is one of the questions that is hard to answer: Is it better to address people only in Arabic? Or is it possible to say Happy Eid in English?
The Principle
Greetings language is not confined to the Arabic language. The message is what counts and not the language.
“Eid Mubarak” in Arabic = “Blessed Eid” in English = “Barka da Sallah” in Hausa = “Selamat Hari Raya” in Malay.
All convey the same meaning. All are valid.
Arabic Has Special Status
With that being said, the greetings of the Arabic people are distinctly linked to Islamic culture. Upon mentioning Eid Mubarak, Muslims all over the world know about it. It is universal Islamic language.
The words the companions used were blessed. Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink–the same words have been uttered at Eid in 1400 years.
Practical Approach
Use both. Mix them. “Happy Eid! Eid Mubarak! Taqabbal Allah minna wa mink!
When dealing with old Arabs, speak Arabic. When dealing with small children, speak their language. And with converts, tell what the Arabic is.
Be flexible. It is to bring happiness not to show off your Arabic.
Sarah, a convert, informed me: “The first Eid someone met me with blistering Arabic. I had no idea what they said. I just smiled and nodded. Subsequently, someone uttered Eid Mubarak and told me that it meant Blessed Eid. That individual made me feel like I belonged. The former person was the one who made me feel like an outsider. Same greeting. Different approach.”
Eid Duʿās From the Sunnah
On top of greetings, what are the duas that you should make on Eid?
The Takbir
Make takbir all night and through to the time imam commences with the khutbah:
Allahu Akbar, Alluhu Akbar, la ilaha illa-Allah. Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd. Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no deity other than Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and all the glory to Allah.)
This to say on the way to Eid prayer. While walking. While waiting. Fill the time with takbir.
This is from the Sunnah. Shouting the greatness of Allah during Eid.
Dua for Acceptance
Allahumma taqabbal minna wa aghfir lana” (O Allah, accept from us and forgive us)
Simple but comprehensive. Asking Allah to accept the worship and forgive the sins.
Dua for Blessing
Allahumma barik lana fi idina (O Allah, bless us during our Eid).
Asking Allah to make the day blessed. For you, your family, the entire community.
Dua for the Ummah
Allahumma aslih ahwal al-muslimin fi kulli makan (O Allah, rectify the affairs of Muslims in any place)
When you are celebrating, do not forget about Muslims who are being persecuted all over the world. Make dua for them.
Duʿās After Eid Prayer
Immediately you have finished the Eid prayer, perform dua before you get out of the musalla. This is blessed time.
For Yourself:
Allahumma taqabbal minni sawmi wa qiyami wa qira’ati” (O Allah, accept my fasting, my standing in prayer, and my recitation)
Specifically for Eid al-Fitr. You are requesting Allah to accept your worship during Ramadan.
For Your Family:
Allahumma barik li fi ahli wa dhurriyyati (O Allah, bless me in my family and children)
Eid is family time. May Allah bless such associations.
For General Good:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan (Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter)
The most comprehensive dua. Perfect for Eid or any time.
Ibrahim said: I sit fifteen minutes after praying in Eid. Everyone’s leaving. I am simply sitting there praying. For my Ramadan to be accepted. For my family. For the ummah. For myself. Then I leave. Five minutes-they made the keynote of my whole Eid day.
Eid Greetings in Different Cultures
Islam is global. The cultures have various ways of saying Eid greetings. All beautiful. All valid.
Arab Countries:
Most common are “Eid Mubarak” and Kullu ‘am wa antum bi-khayr. Lots of hugging. Cheek-kissing (same gender). Very expressive.
South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh):
“Eid Mubarak” in Urdu/Hindi. The youths touch the feet of the older people as a form of respect. Elders give money (Eidi) to children. Huge communal meals.
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia):
“Selamat Hari Raya” or “Minal Aidin wal Faizin.” Asking forgiveness from elders is big tradition. “Please forgive me for my mistakes this year.”
Turkey:
May your Bayram be blessed: Bayramınız mübarek olsun. Lots of sweets shared. Paying tributes to the graves of the dead relatives.
West Africa:
“Barka da Sallah” in Hausa. Bright traditional clothes. Singing and dancing in certain societies.
Western Countries:
Mix of everything. “Eid Mubarak” most common. The communities combine the heritage country traditions with the new local ones.
Khadija grew up in Egypt, lives in America now: I miss the Eid greetings in Egypt. The particular manner in which we would express things. But I love American Eid too. So diverse. Pakistani families, Arab families, African families, converts–all gladdening. Both adding their greeting style. It is an Eid remix that is beautiful.
Responding to Eid Greetings
Somebody wishes you a happy Eid Mubarak. What do you say back?
Mirror the Greeting:
Eid Mubarak, they say, Eid Mubarak, you say to them, too!
Simple. Effective.
Use the Companion’s Response:
When one tells you Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink (Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink), you say the same Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink or say (Wa mink) (And from you).
Add to It:
They say “Eid Mubarak,” you say “Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept from all of us!”
Don’t Overthink It:
There’s no wrong answer. It is good if anyone reacts positively and joyfully. “Same to you!” “You too!” “Ameen!” All fine.
It is not the right words but the recitation of the joy and dua.
Omar explained: I would be stressed over uttering the correct answer. ‘Is Wa antum too? Is it Wa iyyakum? What if I mess up?’ Then I understood–connection is all people want. Whatever is kind and true to say. That’s enough.”
Eid Greetings and Duʿās to Ummah.
Greetings do not have to be limited to the physical presence of people. Make dua for the entire ummah.
For Muslims You’ll Never Meet:
“Allahumma taqabbal min jami’ al-muslimin” (O Allah, accept from all the Muslims)
For Muslims in Hardship:
Allahumma farij ‘an al-muslimin fi kulli makan ( O Allah free the Muslims in every place)
During Eid, as you are eating and enjoying with your family, the Muslims in Gaza are being attacked. In Syria, struggling. In China, persecuted. In Myanmar, displaced.
Do not forget them during your Eid duas.
For Muslim Unity:
Allahumma wahhid saff al-muslimin (O Allah, bring the ranks of the Muslims together)
We’re divided. Politically. Sectarian. Nationally. Ask Allah to unite us.
For Those Who Died:
“Allahumma ighfir li amwat al-muslimin” (O Allah, forgive the deceased Muslims)
Some people who fasted last Ramadan didn’t make it to this Eid. Make dua for them.
Zaynab has always done so, and she says: I make dua to the ummah before I meet anyone in the morning of Eid. For Muslims suffering. For those who died. For our unity. Then I greet the surrounding people. But my first Eid duas? Always in favor of people I will never see. Because we’re one ummah. Their pain is my pain. Their Eid is my Eid.”
Special Eid Greetings Situations
Greeting Non-Muslims:
Do you wish non-Muslims Happy Eid? Most scholars say yes. It is not a sacrifice of faith but it is spreading happiness.
If they wish you “Happy Eid,” definitely respond warmly. Appreciate their kindness.
Greeting Those Who Don’t Celebrate:
Eid is not celebrated by all Muslims due to different reasons. Still greet them. “May Allah bless you.” Keep it general.
Virtual Eid Greetings:
Text, email, WhatsApp, videocall, all these are acceptable methods to send Eid greetings. Not perfect (it is better to do it face-to-face), yet good. Space is no barrier in bringing happiness.
Greeting After Eid Day:
Is it permissible to wish Eid Mubarak on the 2 nd day or 3 rd day? Technically, Eid is one day. But when you meet a person after the Eid, shake hands. Better late than never.
Conclusion: Make Your Greetings Count
Eid greetings do not just pass by. They’re acts of worship. Expressions of joy. Spreading of barakah. Community building. Dua making.
This Eid, do not merely make the motions. Know what you are talking about. Be serious about what you say Taqabbal Alluhu minna wa mink. In fact pray that he or she should be accepted.
Say takbir to Eid prayer loudly. Make dua after the salah. Hello to everybody–people you are well acquainted with and those who are not. Welcome the new Muslims in particular. The kids. The elderly. The ones standing alone.
Use Arabic. Use your native language. Use both. Whatever spreads more joy.
And do not forget the ummah in your Eid duas. When you are celebrating, wish those who cannot. Who are grieving. Who are suffering. Who didn’t make it to this Eid.
May your Eid be blessed. May Allah receive your worship. May He bless you and everyone associated with Muslims with happiness, forgiveness, and unity.
Eid Mubarak. Taqabbal Alluh minna wa mink.
Now go spread that joy. One greeting at a time.
