The Rules of Greetings on Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha

Abstract

All praise is due to Allah, and Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his noble companions.

To proceed:This research aims to clarify the rules of offering congratulations on Eid, the researcher reached several conclusions including: that offering congratulations is considered customary and not an act of worship, however, it may be accompanied with what makes it permissible and what makes it forbidden. As for initiating the greetings, it is commendable as it is proven among the Sahabah and because it spreads affinity among Muslims. As for replaying, it is not less than commendable.  However, sometimes returning greetings is obligatory, if not doing so results in misunderstanding or harm. Regarding the appropriate greeting, the one that the Sahabah used is: "Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum." ("May Allah accept from us, and from you."), but other greetings are permissible as long as there is no sin involved. It is better to offer congratulations on the day of Eid, but there is no harm in congratulating a day before Eid, if it is customary. It is also permissible to offer congratulations on the days of Tashreeq and the days following Eid Al-Fitr. Shaking hands and embracing while exchanging Eid greetings is permissible because it part of customs. Greeting others using modern technology like mobiles, faxes, e-mails and cards …etc. is the same as greeting people face to face, as long as it adheres to Shariah rules.

May Allah's peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions?