Muslim life is full of occasions that deserve to be marked, and not all of them have an obvious card in a supermarket aisle. If you have ever stood in a newsagent looking for something for an Aqiqah and left with a generic "New Baby" card, this guide is for you.
Below is every occasion an Islamic greeting card is commonly given for, what the greeting is, and what to write.
Aqiqah
What it is: The celebration held after a baby's birth
The greeting: Aqiqah Mubarak
What to write: A dua for the child's health and righteousness. See our full guide on what to write in an Aqiqah card.
Shop: Aqiqah cards
Nikah
What it is: The Islamic marriage contract - the moment a couple is married. A walima, the wedding banquet, often follows
The greeting: Mabrook on your Nikah, or Barakallahu lakuma
What to write: A dua for barakah in the marriage. See what to write in a Nikah card
Shop: Nikah & wedding cards
Fatiha and engagement
What it is: The formal agreement to marry, marked by the recitation of Surah al-Fatiha between the two families. The step before the Nikah.
The greeting: Mabrook on your Fatiha
Shop: Fatiha & engagement cards
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
What it is: The two Islamic festivals - the first at the end of Ramadan, the second during the days of Hajj
The greeting: Eid Mubarak, or Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum (may Allah accept it from us and from you)
Also given: Eidi - money for children. See how much Eidi to give.
Shop: Eid cards, Eid money envelopes, Eid gift tags
Hajj
What it is: The pilgrimage to Makkah, obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is able. Cards are given both before departure and on return
The greeting: Hajj Mabroor - may your Hajj be accepted. Traditionally: Hajj mabroor wa dhanb maghfoor wa sa'yun mashkoor.
Shop: Hajj cards
Umrah
What it is: The lesser pilgrimage to Makkah, which can be performed at any time of year.
The greeting: Umrah Mubarak, or Umrah Maqbool.
Shop: Umrah Mubarak cards
Wearing the hijab
What it is: A milestone that goes almost entirely unmarked - a first day wearing it, or simply an affirmation.
What to write: Something warm and specific. This is a decision that often takes courage, and being seen matters more than being congratulated.
Shop: Hijab Mabrook cards
A new baby
The greeting: Alhamdulillah, Mabrook, or Barakallahu lakuma fi mawhubi lak.
Shop: Islamic new baby cards — including Alhamdulillah It's a Boy, Alhamdulillah It's a Girl and Salam Little One.
General congratulations
The greeting: Alf Mabrook — a thousand congratulations. Used for graduations, new homes, new jobs and any milestone worth marking.
Shop: Alf Mabrook & congratulations cards
Common questions
Are greeting cards permissible in Islam?
Giving cards and gifts to mark occasions is widely practised across Muslim communities and is generally regarded as a form of gift-giving, which is encouraged. Scholars differ on some specific celebrations; the occasions listed above are all rooted in Islamic practice or in ordinary life events.
What is the difference between Mabrook and Mubarak?
Both come from the same root, meaning blessing. Mabrook is used as "congratulations" to a person. Mubarak means "blessed" and attaches to the occasion - Eid Mubarak, Aqiqah Mubarak.
Should the card be in Arabic or English?
Either. Many Australian Muslim families use an Arabic greeting and write the message in English. Write in the language you think in.
Where can I buy Islamic greeting cards in Australia?
Everletter designs, prints and packs Islamic cards in Sydney, with shipping Australia-wide and to more than 25 countries. Our cards are also stocked in-store at BNAH Greenacre and Veil of Faith.
Browse the full range of Islamic greeting cards. Every card is printed on heavyweight cardstock with a coordinating envelope and gold foil seal, blank inside for your own words.