The Sunnah of Eid Greetings and How to Reply Properly

"Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum"

Eid is a joyous occasion, a time of celebration, gratitude, and unity among Muslims. However, one of the common questions asked during this time is: "What is the proper way to greet each other on Eid?" Many Muslims say, "Eid Mubarak," while others say, "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum." But which one is the correct greeting according to the Sunnah? And what are the other Sunnah practices to observe during Eid?

In this blog, I will share the proper greetings for Eid, their origins in the Sunnah, and how to fully observe Eid in the way of the Prophet ﷺ.

The Best Eid Greeting in the Sunnah

While many of us are used to saying "Eid Mubarak," the most authentic greeting from the time of the Prophet ﷺ is:

تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنكُمْ
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum
"May Allah accept (this worship) from us and from you."

The Hadith Behind This Greeting

It was narrated from Jubayr ibn Nufayr (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:

"When the companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another: 'Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum.'"
(Reported by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari (2/446) and authenticated by Ibn Hajar and Ibn Qudamah.)

This means that during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, the companions used to say this dua to each other instead of simply saying "Eid Mubarak."

Why Do Some People Say "Eidakum Mubarak"?

You might also hear people say:

عيدكم مبارك (Eidakum Mubarak) – meaning “May your Eid be blessed.”

This phrase is linguistically correct and is used in some Arab cultures. However, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Sunnah. While there is no harm in saying it, the best practice is to follow what the Sahabah said: "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum."

That being said, if someone greets you with "Eid Mubarak" or "Eidakum Mubarak," it is permissible to respond in kind, as Islam encourages good manners in responding to greetings.

How to Reply to Eid Greetings Properly

If someone greets you with "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum," the best response is:

تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنكُمْ
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum
"May Allah accept (this worship) from us and from you."

If someone says "Eid Mubarak" or "Eidakum Mubarak," you can reply:

• "Eid Mubarak to you as well!"
• "JazakAllahu khayran, wa iyyakum" (May Allah reward you with good, and you as well).

There is no harm in responding with kindness as long as it is in the spirit of spreading joy and unity among Muslims.

Other Sunnah Acts to Observe on Eid

Eid is not just about greetings; there are many beautiful Sunnah acts that we should observe to make the most of this blessed day.

1. Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Before the Eid Prayer

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims to take a ghusl before going out for Eid. This is similar to Jumu'ah and is a way to purify oneself before attending the congregation.

2. Wearing the Best Clothes (For Men)

The Prophet ﷺ would wear his best clothes on Eid. While men are encouraged to wear perfume and nice clothes, women should maintain modesty and avoid unnecessary beautification in public.

3. Eating Before Eid al-Fitr Prayer (But Not on Eid al-Adha)

• On Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer.
• On Eid al-Adha, the Sunnah is to eat after the prayer, specifically after offering the Qurbani (sacrifice).

4. Saying the Eid Takbeer

From the night before Eid until the Eid prayer, we should recite the Takbeer loudly:

اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd.
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise."

5. Taking a Different Route Home

The Prophet ﷺ would take one route to the Eid prayer and a different route home. This is to spread the greetings and increase the rewards of our steps.

6. Giving Zakat al-Fitr (Before Eid Prayer)

For Eid al-Fitr, Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory and must be given before the prayer so that the poor can also celebrate. It is usually given in food equivalent to one sa’ (approx. 2.5 kg) of staple food per person.

Summary Table: Eid Greetings and Sunnah Practices

Sunnah	Practice	Evidence
Eid Greeting	Say Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum	Hadith of Jubayr ibn Nufayr
Taking Ghusl	Bathe before the Eid prayer	Ibn Majah 1315
Wearing Best Clothes	Men should wear their best garments	Abu Dawood 1076
Eating Before Prayer	Eat dates on Eid al-Fitr but not on Eid al-Adha	Bukhari 953
Reciting Takbeer	Recite Eid Takbeer from Maghrib until the prayer	Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
Giving Zakat al-Fitr	Give charity before the Eid prayer	Bukhari 1503
Taking a Different Route	Use different roads to and from Eid prayer	Bukhari 986

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I hope you're learning, In shaa Allah

Eid is a beautiful day of celebration, but it is also a day of gratitude, worship, and unity. We should follow the Sunnah in our greetings, prayers, and actions to maximize the rewards of this blessed occasion.

May Allah accept all our worship during Ramadan and grant us the ability to follow the Sunnah in all aspects of our lives. Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum! 🌹

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Let’s learn and grow in faith together! Eid Mubarak! 🎉

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References:

• Qur’an 2:185
• Qur’an 16:125 
• Sunan Abu Dawood (5295) 
• Sunan Ibn Majah (1315)
• Islam Question & Answer – "Is Saying 'Eid Mubarak' Bi'dah?"
• Sunnah.com – "The Two Festivals (Eids)"
• Islam Question & Answer – "Sunnah Acts During 'Eid"
• Al-Miftah – "Eid Greeting & Etiquette"