What does Eid Mubarak mean and how should you reply to the greeting?

Eid-Al-Adha traditionally sees thousands make the pilgrimage to Mecca (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.

The traditional greeting for both of these 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?

What does ‘Eid Mubarak’ mean?

‘Eid’ translates to English as ‘celebration’ whilst ‘Mubarak’ means ‘blessed’ – so together the phrase means ‘blessed celebration’.

Kids play with balloons after Eid al-Adha prayer inside Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt (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’.

Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin today.