During the course of the calendar year a number of high or ‘holy days’ are celebrated by Muslims. Most of them have special historical significance attached to them. Some are festivals, occasions of joy; others are days of solemn recollection and even mourning. There is however a tendency for them to become a public holidays. The two great feast days of Islam are Id Ul-Fitr, or the first day after Ramadan, when the long fast is broken. In other words, it is said as Id Ul-Fitr the breaking of the fast. And the second one is the Id Ul-Adha or Bairam of El-Dahiya, the great feast, which is the feast of sacrifice. These two festivals are called as Eid. Eid simply means ‘festival.’ Muslims believe that a great merit accrues to all who say the Eid Greeting.
The feast of the breaking of the fast is the first day after Ramadan. On that day, Muslims give alms before saying their prayers in the mosque. The Eid Greeting is shared with all their family, friends and neighbors and to those who visit their homes. After hearing the sermon people mingle, visit and enjoy a festive meal. Eid Greeting makes them feel attached to whom ever they meet and share God’s blessings with them. Eid Greeting gives them the heart to rejoice and share their abundance with others. Special public prayers are held and Eid Greetings and messages are delivered to the vast assemblies in the open air. As the Eid Greeting is shared, Muslim men and women wear new clothes, and especially women don all their jewels and enjoy a festive meal together with amusements and indulgences.
Eid Greeting brings a joyous mood with all its chief religious significance and makes them celebrate the festival with utmost piety. It is a day of moral victory, a day to forgive, brotherhood, unity, fellowship and peace. Eid Greeting helps them strengthen them on what they believe and gives them an opportunity to help others. It is a time to share and to give. Eid Greeting helps everyone practice certain good values such as self control, sharing, thanking and giving.
The common words used during these holidays in Eid Greeting are ‘Eid Mubarrak.’ Eid Mubarrak is an Arabic way of greeting. This simple Eid Greeting means ‘Happy Eid’, or ‘Blessed Eid.’ Many countries follow their own way of Eid Greeting based on their local languages and cultures.
Id Ul-Adha, a major Muslim festival, marks the end of the Muslim holy month Ramadan. On the morning Muslim men and women wear new clothing and attend special just as they do during Id Ul-Fitr. After the prayers are said Muslims hug each other to say the customary Eid Greeting, Eid Mubarrak.
Muslims go to other houses to say the Eid Greeting on this day. It is a way of saying thanks and praise to God for his blessings. Also Eid Greeting cards are sent to family and friends who live afar. By saying the Eid Greeting Muslims also educate their children to do the same. Children go to their grand parent’s home to say the Eid Greeting to them politely.
Cherish Eid ul Fitr and Eid Ul-Adha by saying the Eid Greeting to family, friends and loved ones. Reach out and wish all your friends with a warm Eid Greeting, Eid Mubarrak. Have a holy time!
See Also