Along with knowing the ways to wish someone a happy Eid, including the use of “Eid Mubarak”, “Khair Mubarak”, “Eid Saeed” and “Jazak Allah Khair”, it’s also worth knowing what not to say.

You look like you’ve lost weight!

During the holy month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims observe a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from food and drink during daylight hours for a period of 29-30 days, depending on the lunar calendar.

While the practice of fasting is often associated with weight loss, the true purpose of Ramadan is much deeper. It is rooted in the Islamic belief in social justice and equality between rich and poor. The act of fasting is seen as a way to empathise with those who are less fortunate and to increase one’s own spirituality.

Bet you’re starving now!

Each individual’s experience of hunger or thirst during Ramadan is unique and personal to them, and is an essential part of their religious practice and journey.

Ramadan is not about starvation. Muslims do eat during the month of Ramadan, but only during specific hours of the day.

Making jokes about someone’s appetite at the end of Ramadan isn’t particularly helpful, accurate or humorous.

Happy Eid al-Adha

Sometimes people wish Muslims a happy Eid by saying “Happy Eid al-Adha.” However, this phrase is not accurate, as Eid al-Adha is a separate Islamic festival that is distinct from Eid al-Fitr.

This year, Eid al-Adha will take place between Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 and Sunday, July 2nd, 2023. This festival commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to God. According to the Quran, just as Prophet Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God sent a ram to be sacrificed in place of his son.

Let’s go out for a drink to celebrate!

It should be pretty evident to most people that inviting someone celebrating Eid to go for a drink is not appropriate.

Practicing Muslims do not consume alcohol as it is considered harmful and is prohibited in Islam.

The Quran contains a verse that refers to intoxicants as ‘the work of Satan’, indicating the gravity of the matter in Islamic teachings.

There are plenty of other ways to celebrate with Muslims during Eid, such as sharing a meal or engaging in activities that do not involve booze, thereby showing respect and understanding for their traditions and beliefs, while still allowing for a joyous celebration.