Eid Mubarak Greetings: The Islamic Wish in Arabic
The best-known Islamic Eid greeting is "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" — may Allah accept it from us and from you. The companions of the Prophet said this to one another on the day of Eid. Below you'll find the Arabic text, the pronunciation, the meaning, and the best way to respond.
The best-known Eid greeting
On the day of Eid, the companions of the Prophet congratulated one another with these words. The report comes from Jubayr ibn Nufayr and is considered authentic (source: IslamQA). Originally the greeting was said between two people as "mink" (you, singular); in a group or family chat today you use the plural form "minkum" (you, plural).
تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum
"May Allah accept it from us and from you."
Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah explained that saying this first is not an obligatory sunnah, but it is not disliked either: whoever does it follows an example, and whoever doesn't also follows an example. Returning the greeting is obligatory, though, as soon as someone offers it to you.
What do you say back?
The simplest reply is "Wa minkum" ("and from you"), or you repeat the whole greeting: "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum." Both are fine — just make sure to respond, since returning the greeting is obligatory.
Is it too early to wish Eid Mubarak now?
A common question. Following the example of the companions, it's best to congratulate one another after the Eid prayer. But wishing someone Eid Mubarak a day or two beforehand is also fine — that's not forbidden, it falls under the ordinary, broader way people congratulate one another (source: IslamQA). So you don't have to wait until the morning of Eid itself.
Other lovely wishes for family and friends
Besides the Arabic greeting, you can of course also celebrate Eid simply in your own words: "Happy Eid to you" or "A blessed Eid Mubarak to you and your family" are just as welcome. Feel free to combine them: the Arabic greeting first, then your own message.
Frequently asked questions
What does Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum mean?
"May Allah accept it from us and from you." You're asking that Allah accept the fasting, the prayer and the good deeds of Ramadan and Eid, from you and from the other person.
Is saying Eid Mubarak obligatory?
No. Being the first to congratulate is a permissible, appreciated custom, not an obligation and not a disliked innovation either. Returning the greeting once someone congratulates you is obligatory, though.
Is it too early if I wish Eid Mubarak now?
No. It's best to congratulate one another after the Eid prayer, as the companions did, but wishing it a day or two earlier is fine too.
A lovely wish for Eid
Use the Arabic greeting, or make it personal by adding your own words.