Eid eCard

Both Eids follow the lunar Islamic calendar, so they move roughly eleven days earlier each year in the Gregorian one. Eid al-Fitr falls at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha about ten weeks later.

The exact day is confirmed by moon sighting, which is why it is announced only a day or two in advance and can differ by country.

Open with "Eid Mubarak" and add something personal. A wish for the family's health and happiness, a note about the month of fasting just completed, or a hope to see them soon all fit.

For close family, saying you are thinking of them and naming what you miss is what makes the card theirs rather than generic.

It means "blessed Eid" or "blessed festival" in Arabic, and it is the most widely used greeting for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

"Eid Sa'id", meaning happy Eid, is another common greeting. Both are appropriate whichever Eid you are marking.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the completion of a month of fasting; often called the smaller Eid, it centres on food, family and charity. Eid al-Adha, the greater Eid, falls at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Eid Mubarak is the correct greeting for both.

Yes, and it is a warmly received gesture. Wishing a Muslim friend, neighbour or colleague Eid Mubarak shows you know the occasion matters to them, and nobody expects you to be observant to acknowledge it.

Keep it simple and sincere rather than attempting religious language you are unsure of.

Send it on the morning of Eid itself, once the moon sighting has confirmed the day.

Because the date is not fixed until shortly beforehand, an eCard is practical in a way a posted one is not: build it in advance and send it the moment Eid is announced.