Holidays are when Arabic social language really shines. There is a set wish for almost every occasion, and using the right one shows respect and warmth. Learn the phrases below and you will be ready for Ramadan, both Eids, and a wedding invitation.
Islamic holidays
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| عيد | 3eed | holiday / feast |
| رمضان | ramaḍaan | Ramadan |
| عيد الفطر | 3eed al-fiṭr | Eid al-Fitr (after Ramadan) |
| عيد الأضحى | 3eed al-aḍḥaa | Eid al-Adha (the sacrifice feast) |
| صوم | ṣawm | fasting |
| إفطار | ifṭaar | breaking the fast / iftar |
| سحور | saḥoor | pre-dawn meal |
Holiday wishes
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| رمضان كريم | ramaḍaan kareem | blessed Ramadan |
| عيد مبارك | 3eed mubaarak | blessed Eid |
| كل عام وأنتم بخير | kull 3aam wa antum bikhayr | many happy returns |
| مبارك عليك الشهر | mubaarak 3alayk ash-shahr | blessed month to you |
| تقبل الله | taqabbala Allaah | may God accept (your deeds) |
| عيد ميلاد سعيد | 3eed meelaad sa3eed | happy birthday |
Weddings and celebrations
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مبروك | mabrook | congratulations |
| تهنئة | tahni’a | congratulation |
| زفاف / عرس | zafaaf / 3urs | wedding |
| عروس | 3aroos | bride |
| عريس | 3arees | groom |
| هدية | hadiyya | gift |
| حفلة | ḥafla | party |
Dialogue: Ramadan wishes
Talking about Ramadan
- Aramaḍaan kareem!Blessed Ramadan!
- BAllaahu akram, kull 3aam wa antum bikhayrGod is most generous, many happy returns
- Ahal sa-taṣoom ghadan?Will you fast tomorrow?
- Bna3am, inshaa' AllaahYes, God willing
- Asanatanaawal al-ifṭaar ma3an?Shall we have iftar together?
- Bfikra raa'i3a!Great idea!
- A3eed mubaarak muqaddamanBlessed Eid in advance
- Bwa anta bikhayrAnd may you be well
Practice
How do you say 'blessed Eid' in Arabic?
hint: Use it on both Eids
What does 'مبروك' mean?
hint: You say it at weddings and good news
How do you say 'blessed Ramadan' in Arabic?
hint: The reply is 'الله أكرم'
Want more everyday blessings? See common Islamic phrases.
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