You normally say “Eid Mubarak” from the start of Eid day (after Fajr and especially after the Eid prayer) and throughout the day of Eid—and in many cultures also the night before once Eid has been confirmed.

Key times to say “Eid Mubarak”

  • After the Eid prayer in the morning is the classic and most widely mentioned time in religious discussions.
  • From Fajr (dawn) on the day of Eid, when the day technically begins.
  • Throughout the whole day of Eid when meeting or messaging family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues.
  • In many communities, from the previous evening after Maghrib once the moon is sighted and Eid is officially announced (similar to saying “Happy New Year” at midnight).
  • For Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha alike; the greeting applies to both festivals.

Is it okay to say it early?

There are a few viewpoints:

  1. More cautious / traditional view
    • Prefers saying “Eid Mubarak” after the Eid prayer, following what is reported from some early Muslims.
  1. Custom-based view
    • Says there is no problem in congratulating earlier (night before, or early morning before prayer) if people customarily do so and it brings joy and goodwill.
  1. Modern social practice
    • Many people send “Eid Mubarak” messages the night before as soon as Eid is announced on TV, by the mosque, or on official calendars, and keep using it through all days of Eid.

In practice, if your local community starts saying it from the previous evening or from dawn, it is generally fine to follow that custom, as the goal is to spread joy and affection.

Who can say “Eid Mubarak”?

  • Muslims use it for each other as a festival greeting and blessing.
  • Non‑Muslims may also say “Eid Mubarak” as a respectful holiday wish, especially if they know the person is celebrating Eid.

A simple response if someone says it to you is just to repeat it back: “Eid Mubarak!”

Example mini-scenarios

  1. Workplace
    • You know Eid is today; when you see your Muslim colleague in the morning, you say: “Eid Mubarak! Hope you have a wonderful day with your family.”
  2. Online / messaging
    • As soon as the local mosque announces Eid on the night before, you send messages like: “Eid Mubarak! May this Eid bring you peace and blessings.”
  1. Visiting family
    • After Eid prayer, you arrive home, hug family members, and say “Eid Mubarak” as part of the greeting.

TL;DR : Say “Eid Mubarak” from the start of the Eid day—especially after the Eid prayer—and keep using it all day, with many people also starting the night before once Eid is confirmed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.