The Significance of Eid Al-Adha
We are approaching one of the two major Islamic festivals in the Hijri Calendar, which is Eid Al-Adha. Muslims around the world celebrate this Eid on the tenth of Dhul Hijjah. This special holiday signifies the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and honors Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
In this blog, we have gathered useful words and phrases that are related to Hajj. We will also learn Eid greetings and expressions and questions to use when performing Hajj.
General Eid Al-Adha Greetings
The following expressions are commonly used as Eid greetings in Eid Al-Adha:
Blessed Eid
Eid Mubarak
عيد مبارك
Wishing you well every year
Kullu ‘am wa antum bi khair
كل عام وأنتم بخير
How far is the city from here?
Kam tbʻudu almdyntu min hunā?
عيد أضحى سعيد
May Allah accept from us and from you
Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum
تقبل الله منا ومنكم
An accepted Hajj
Hajj Mabroor
حج مبرور
Grateful effort
Sa’y Mashkoor
سعي مشكور
Forgiven sin
Thanb Maghfoor
ذنب مغفور
Hajj-Related Words and Phrases
Now let’s look at important words and phrases that are related to Hajj:
Day of Sacrifice
Yawmu alnnaḥr
يوم النحر
Animal Sacrifice
Uḍḥiyah
الأضحية
The twelfth and final month of the lunar calendar during which Hajj occurs
Dhul-Hijjah
ذو الحجة
The House of Allah, a black cube-like structure located in Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Ka’bah
كعبة
The phrase, “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk,” which is recited to enter the state of Ihram and during multiple rites of the Hajj.
Talbiyah
تلبية (لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك)
The mosque that houses the Kabah.
Al-Masjid al-Haram
المسجد الحرام
A desert location some distance from Mecca where the important Hajj rite Waqfa is performed
‘Arafah Mountain
جبل عرفة
Eid al-Adha is an important religious holiday observed by Muslims around the globe that signifies the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and honors Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Eid Al-Adha (The Feast of the Sacrifice)
عيد الأضحى
Hajj Rituals Before & During Eid Al-Adha
After learning the main greetings in Eid and essential Hajj-related words and phrases, let’s delve deeper into the Hajj rituals in Arabic and their meanings.
Hajj or pilgrimage is one of the pillars of Islam: (Performing prayer, Giving Zakat, Fasting Ramadan, Performing Pilgrimage to Mecca and saying Al-shahhada). Muslims who are capable physically and financially are obligated to perform Pilgrimage
Wearing the pilgrim’s clothing: The act of donning the special white garments called Ihram, which signifies the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage and symbolizes purity and equality before God.
Irtida’ libāsa al-Iḥrāmi
ارتداءُ لباسِ الإحرامِ
Circumambulating around Ka’ba: The ritual of walking seven times in a counterclockwise direction around the Ka’ba, the sacred structure at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, as a demonstration of Muslim unity and worship.
Atṭwafu ḥawla alkaʻbti
الطّوافُ حولَ الكعبةِ
Sa’e between Safa and Marwa 7 times: The ritual of walking briskly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, reenacting Hagar’s search for water for her son Ismail, symbolizing perseverance and faith in God’s provision.
Alssʻyu byna alṣṣfā wālmrwah Sabʻa marrātin
السّعيُ بيْنَ الصّفَا والمرْوَة سبعَ مرّات
Standing in ‘Arafah Mountain: The act of standing in prayer and contemplation on the plains of Arafah, near Mecca, which is considered the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims seek forgiveness and make supplications to God.
Alwqwfu ʻalá Jabal ʻarafh
الوقوفُ على جبلِ عرفة
Throwing of stones (Stoning the devil): The symbolic act of throwing pebbles at three pillars in Mina, representing the rejection of evil and the devil, and commemorating the actions of the Prophet Abraham when he was tempted by Satan.
Ramyu aljimar
رَمْيُ الجمارِ
Staying overnight in Mina and Muzdalifa: The practice of spending the night in the tent city of Mina and under the open sky in Muzdalifa, reflecting on the pilgrimage and preparing for the next stages of Hajj, including the stoning of the pillars and the sacrifice ritual.
Almabytu biminá wa muzdalifah
المبيتُ بمِنى ومُزْدَلِفةَ
10 Useful Arabic Questions to Use on Hajj
Now, let’s learn 10 important Arabic questions that can be very useful for pilgrims visiting Mecca. These questions include essential needs, such as asking for directions and enquiring about the taxi fare, the stay duration and other useful questions:
Where is Al-Masjid Al-Haram?
أَينَ المَسجِدُ الحَرام؟
How much is the taxi?
كَم سِعر التاكسي؟
Where is the nearest restaurant?
أين أقرب مطعم؟
How far is the mosque?
كم يبعد المسجد؟
Where is the door of the mosque?
أين باب المسجد؟
When are we visiting the Prophet’s mosque?
متى سنزور المسجد النبوي؟
How far is the Madinah Munawarah?
كم تبعد المدينة المنورة؟
How long are we staying here?
كم سنمكث هنا؟
Where can I find Zamzam water?
أين أجد ماء زمزم؟
Where can I get a map for Masjid Al-Haram?
أين أجد خريطة للمسجد الحرام؟
Final word
We have learned together Arabic phrases that can be used as greetings in Eid Al-Adha. In addition, we reviewed important words and phrases that are related to the Hajj season in this significant Islamic annual festival and useful questions to use when travelling to perform Hajj.
Keep practicing these words and phrases and download our app for more!
Eid Mubarak!
