Muslims across the world observe two most significant festivals – Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha(also known as Eid al-Kabir)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, and it is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It is one of the most significant religious festivals celebrated by Muslims. Eid is the time when Muslims come together to offer prayers, exchange greetings, and feast with their families and friends. However, how people celebrate this festival varies from country to country and culture to culture.
Eid al-Adha: This festival known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, after the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
During this festival, Muslims remember Ibrahim’s obedience and sacrifice by performing a ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is then shared with family, friends, and those in need. It is also a time for prayers, visiting loved ones, and engaging in acts of charity.
Eid al-Kabir: Eid al-Kabir is another name for Eid al-Adha, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the same festival, which is the Festival of Sacrifice, as explained above. “Kabir” means “great” in Arabic, so Eid al-Kabir emphasises the significance and greatness of this celebration.
The Meaning of Eid Mubarak
The most common and popular greeting for family and friends during Muslim Festivals is ‘Eid Mubarak.’ When you wish someone Eid Mubarak, it means “Have a Blessed Celebration.” However, many countries have their own unique way of greeting one another during Eid.
Here are some of the Eid Mubarak greetings in different languages!
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Arabic
In Arabic, the phrase is “عيد مبارك,” which translates to “blessed festival.” This greeting is commonly used by Muslims in most parts of the world.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Chinese
China has a significant Muslim population, especially in its western regions and among the Uighur. In Mandarin Chinese, you can express similar wishes by saying “节日快乐” (jié rì kuài lè), which means “Happy holiday.” It is a general greeting used for various holidays, including Eid.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Hausa
In Hausa, the traditional greeting for Eid is “Barka da Sallah,” which means “Blessed Eid.” This greeting is commonly used by Muslims in Nigeria, Northern Ghana, Niger, and other parts of West Africa during Eid.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in German
The traditional greeting for Eid in German is “Frohes Eid” which means “Happy Eid.” This phrase is commonly used by Muslims in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions.
5. Saying Eid Mubarak in Somali
Somali is a language spoken in Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa. In Somalia, “Eid Mubarak” is said as “Ciid wanaagsan,” which translates to “Happy Eid.” This greeting is commonly used by Muslims in Somalia.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Indonesian
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, and Eid is a significant festival in the country. Indonesian say “Selamat Idul Kabir,” which translates to “Happy Eid al-Kabir.” Idul Kabir is the Indonesian name for Eid al-Fitr.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Japanese
In Japanese, the traditional greeting for Eid is “イード ムバラク” (Eid Mubarak), which is similar to the Arabic greeting. This phrase is commonly used by Muslims in Japan and other parts of the world.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Malay
In Malaysia and other parts of the Malay-speaking world, the traditional greeting for Eid is “Selamat Hari Raya,” which means “Happy Festival Day.” This greeting is commonly used by Muslims in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore during Eid.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Portuguese
In Portuguese, the traditional greeting for Eid is “Feliz Eid” which means “Happy Eid.” This phrase is commonly used by Muslims in Guinea Bissau, Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking regions.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Russian
Islam is the second-largest religion in the country after Christianity. The majority of Russian Muslims live in the regions of Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, Dagestan, and other regions in the North Caucasus.
In Russian, you can say “С праздником Эйд” (S prazdnikom Eid). This translates to “With the holiday of Eid.” It’s a common greeting used by Russian Muslims to extend their wishes on the occasion of Eid.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in French
A significant number of Muslims are resident in France, and Eid is celebrated with great excitement across the country. In French, it is “Joyeux Eid,” which means “Happy Eid.” You may also say “Aid Moubara”. This phrase is commonly used by Muslims in France and other French-speaking countries.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Spanish
Spain also has a significant Muslim population, and Eid is celebrated in the country with great enthusiasm. Spaniards say “Feliz Eid,” which means “Happy Eid.” This phrase is commonly used by Muslims in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
13. Saying Eid Mubarak in Swahili
Swahili is widely spoken in East African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. In Swahili, it is “Eid Mubarak,” or “Heri ya Eid” which is similar to the Arabic greeting.
- Saying Eid Mubarak in Yoruba
Yoruba is spoken in Southwest Nigeria, parts of Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana and Sierra Leone. In Yoruba, it is: ‘a ku odun ileya o’. Which translates to “Happy Eid al-Kabir festivity”