The Meaning Behind “Eid Mubarak”: Exploring the Traditional Arabic Greeting

Eid Mubarak meaning: What the traditional Arabic greeting means as Muslims mark Eid al-Adha 2023

The Festival of the Sacrifice

This week, Muslims around the world will come together to celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice. Considered the holier of the two Eid festivals, Eid al-Adha holds a special significance for Muslims as it commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. As the story goes, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

Eid Mubarak: A Traditional Arabic Greeting

During Eid al-Adha, it is customary for Muslims to greet each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak.” This traditional Arabic greeting is used not only during Eid al-Adha but also during the earlier Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The word “Mubarak” translates to “blessed” in English, while “Eid” means feast, festival, or celebration. Therefore, “Eid Mubarak” can be interpreted as “blessed celebration” or “blessed feast.” However, it is more commonly understood as a way of saying “happy Eid.”

Specificity in Greetings

While “Eid Mubarak” alone is sufficient to convey well wishes during both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, it is also possible to specify the festival by adding “al-Fitr” or “al-Adha” after “Mubarak.” This helps to differentiate between the two celebrations. Similarly, Muslims greet each other with “Ramadan Mubarak” at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and throughout the fasting period.

When is Eid ul-Adha 2023?

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. Because the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the date of Eid al-Adha moves forward by around 11 days each year in the commonly used Gregorian calendar.

Timing Predictions and Moon Sighting

The nature of the Hijri calendar makes it challenging to determine the exact date of Eid al-Adha. However, Saudi Arabia, whose official verdict is followed by many Muslims worldwide, has announced that Dhul-Hijjah began on Monday, June 19. Based on this, Eid al-Adha is scheduled to start on Wednesday, June 28, following the Day of Arafat on Tuesday.

The debate ensues regarding the vision of the new moon sighting. Some argue that individuals should physically witness the moon in their region, which can be hindered by factors such as weather conditions. Others advocate for deferring to moon sightings in Saudi Arabia or other regions. Technological advancements in astronomy have led some to believe that the precise calculation of the moon’s rising makes it possible to establish a standardized start date for all Muslims worldwide.

The Significance of the Hajj Pilgrimage

It is worth noting that Eid al-Adha falls around the same time as the Hajj pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, which holds deep significance for Muslims. The Hajj is one of the most sacred traditions in Islam, drawing millions of Muslims from different parts of the world to engage in acts of worship and spiritual reflection.

In conclusion, “Eid Mubarak” is a traditional Arabic greeting used by Muslims during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. While it has a literal translation of “blessed celebration,” it is commonly understood as a way of conveying happiness and well wishes to fellow Muslims. The specific date of Eid al-Adha varies due to the nature of the Hijri calendar, but it is anticipated to fall on June 28 in 2023. The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.