What to say to a Muslim on Eid (and what the two Eids are)

Muslims celebrate two Eids, or festivals, each year. If you want to greet a friend, neighbour or colleague, the short answer is: say "Eid Mubarak". The rest of this page explains why, and what the day means.

The two Eids

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, the people there had two days of celebration. He told them that Allah had given them two better days instead: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr ^[1].

• Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast", is the day after Ramadan ends. Before its morning prayer, every Muslim household that can afford it gives a small charity to the poor, called zakat al-fitr ^[2].
• Eid al-Adha, the "festival of sacrifice", falls about two months and ten days later, during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It remembers Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son at Allah's command, and how Allah spared the son ^[3]. Families who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat with relatives, friends and the poor.

Both dates follow the lunar calendar, so they move about 11 days earlier each year, and may be confirmed only the night before.

What to say

• "Eid Mubarak" means "blessed Eid". It works for both Eids and for anyone.
• "Eid Saeed" means "happy Eid".
• "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" means "may Allah accept from us and from you". Companions of the Prophet are reported to have greeted each other this way ^[4]. A Muslim friend will be touched if you try it.

How the day is spent

The day starts with a special congregational prayer in the morning, often outdoors or in a large hall. Families wear their best clothes, visit relatives, share food and give children gifts or money. A card, a box of sweets or a simple message is a kind gesture. Your colleague may take the day off, and Eid al-Adha celebrations often continue for a few days.