Eid Mubarak 2019: How to wish someone a happy Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha began on Sunday, August 11, and lasts for four days before it concludes on Thursday, August 15. The festival is known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice” and acknowledges the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. It is one of the holiest events on the Islamic calendar but what is the proper etiquette for wishing someone a happy Eid Al Adha?

This year, Eid Al Adha began on Sunday, August 11 and ends on Thursday, August 15.

Each year it is celebrated according to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid Al Adha which falls on the 10th day of Dhu al Hijjah, when the Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place.

Eid Al Adha honours the sacrifice of Ibrahim.

The story in the Qur’an details how Ibrahim had a dream whereby Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son.

Ibrahim agreed to follow God’s command and perform the sacrifice - however, Allah intervened and provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.

This sacrifice is continued during Eid al-Adha where Muslims around the world slaughter an animal to commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice and to remind themselves of self-abnegation in the way of Allah.

Traditionally during Eid Al Adha, Muslims exchange gifts and money with friends and family and are often given new clothes.

During gatherings, Muslims will also eat traditional food together to celebrate.

Muslims may invoke an act of zakat and friendship by slaughtering a sheep and distributing its meat.

The meat is shared between three groups: one share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.

During Eid Al Adha Muslims are encouraged to be especially friendly and reach out to one another during this period.

But what are the correct greetings and customs for wishing someone a happy time during Eid Al Adha?

The most established greeting for Eid Al Adha is “Eid Mubarak” which is a traditional Muslim greeting reserved for use on the festivals of Eid al Adha and Eid ul Fitr.

Eid means feast which makes reference to the event itself, whereas Mubarak means blessed - so overall Eid Mubarak means blessed feast.

Muslims wish each other Eid Mubarak after performing the Eid prayer.

They will also chant the Takbir, which is the Arabic phrase “Allāhu akbar”, or “God is great”, before and after Eid prayers.

Other messages shared between friends and family includes:

• May the blessings of the great Allah be with you now and always.
• On this Holy festival of Eid al-Adha that we get to celebrate the Hajj, may you be filled with delight. May each stage of your ride through life be sanctified.
• As Allah waters his formation, may He also sprinkle his astounding blessings over you and your family.
• May your plate of life always be full of delicious kebabs and tikkas, topped with the chutney of success. May it be accompanied by the bread of joy and happiness.
• On this festival, may Allah listen and answer all your prayers. Have faith in Him, and He will grant all your heart desires.
• May Allah lead you to the path of greatness this Eid al-Adha.
• May the favourable occasion of Eid bless you with harmony and bring joy to your soul and family. May the blessing of Allah be with you.
• May Allah grant all your wishes and accept your sacrifice. May he fulfill all your desires in life. I wish happiness for you and your family today and always. Eid Mubarak!
• Take a break from living in stress and this is Eid so let’s celebrate! You are welcome to join us. Life is so endlessly delicious. Happy Eid Day!
• Start living now and stop worrying about tomorrow. Life is too short to spend in tension. Just enjoy every moment of every day. Thinking of you on this Eid Day.
• Eid Mubarak! Seize the moment and be happy. Because, very little is needed to make a happy life, it’s all within yourself and your way of thinking. Wishing you the best today and always.
• May this Eid brings you joys unlimited, may all your wishes come true on this holy day and may you and your family be blessed by the grace of Allah. Eid Mubarak!