Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem: how to wish someone a good Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, the greetings multiply: “Ramadan Mubarak”, “Ramadan Kareem”, “Bon Ramadan”… What do they mean, which one should you choose, and how do you reply? Here is the meaning of each, in Arabic and in French, and some ready-to-send messages.

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What do Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem mean?

• Ramadan Mubarak (رمضان مبارك, Ramaḍān Mubārak): “blessed Ramadan”. It is the most widespread greeting, in France as in the Arab world.
• Ramadan Kareem (رمضان كريم, Ramaḍān Karīm): “generous Ramadan”, meaning a month in which God is generous to His servants.
• Kullu ‘am wa antum bi-khayr (كل عام وأنتم بخير): “may every year find you well”. A festive greeting used for Ramadan as well as for Eid.
• Mubarak ‘alaykum ash-shahr (مبارك عليكم الشهر): “may this month be blessed for you”, widely used in the Gulf.
• Bon Ramadan: the French greeting, simple and always welcome.

In the Maghreb, when the fast is broken, you will also hear “Saha ftourkoum” (صحة فطوركم), “enjoy your ftour”: it is said at the table, as the iftar meal begins.

Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem: which one?

Both greetings are very common and always well received. “Mubarak” echoes the words of the Prophet ﷺ himself: according to a hadith reported by an-Nasa’i from Abu Hurayrah, he announced the arrival of Ramadan to his companions as that of “a blessed month”.

Some scholars do prefer “Ramadan Mubarak”. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin, for example, considered “Ramadan Kareem” inaccurate: in his view it is not the month that gives, but God who bestows His blessings in it. Others see no harm in it, such as Jordan’s Dar al-Ifta or Darul Iftaa Birmingham: for them, “Kareem” refers to the generosity God shows during the month.

If in doubt, “Ramadan Mubarak” suits everyone. And whichever greeting you choose, it is the intention that counts.

How to reply

• To “Ramadan Mubarak”: “Ramadan Mubarak” in return, or “Allah yabarik fik” (الله يبارك فيك), “may God bless you too”.
• To “Ramadan Kareem”: “Allahu akram” (الله أكرم), “God is more generous still”.
• To “Kullu ‘am wa antum bi-khayr”: “Wa antum bi-khayr” (وأنتم بخير), “and to you as well”.
• To “Bon Ramadan”: a simple “Thank you, you too” or “Ramadan Mubarak”.

When to wish someone a good Ramadan

Greetings are exchanged in the days before the month begins and during the first days of fasting. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to start on Monday 8 February: every date and a countdown are on our Ramadan and Eid dates page.

At the end of the month, the Eid greetings take over: “Eid Mubarak”, “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum”… We explain these greetings and how to reply in our guide to Eid greetings.

Messages to wish someone a good Ramadan

A few messages to copy, adapt or put on a card:

• For the family: “Ramadan Mubarak to the whole family! May this blessed month fill our homes with peace, patience and lovely evenings together.”
• For a friend: “Ramadan Mubarak, brother. May God accept your fasting and your prayers, and grant you a month full of blessings.”
• For a colleague: “I wish you a very good Ramadan, calm and peaceful, to you and your loved ones.”
• The day before: “Ramadan begins tomorrow. May God let us welcome it in good health and live it to the full. Ramadan Mubarak!”
• For someone far from home: “Even far away, I think of you at every iftar. Ramadan Mubarak, and see you soon around the same table.”
• For the last ten nights: “May God let you witness the Night of Decree and accept all your prayers. Have a blessed end of Ramadan!”
• The short one: “Ramadan Mubarak! Kullu ‘am wa antum bi-khayr.”

To send it as an image, pick a message in our card maker, add your loved one’s name and share the card in one tap: create my Ramadan Mubarak card.

Wishing a good Ramadan when you are not Muslim

Is a colleague, a neighbour or a friend fasting? A simple “Have a good Ramadan” or “Ramadan Mubarak” always goes down well. A few small gestures are appreciated too: not offering food or drink during the day, keeping them in mind when you plan a team lunch and, if they invite you to break the fast, saying yes: iftar is meant to be shared.

Frequently asked questions

How do you wish someone a good Ramadan in French?

“Bon Ramadan” or “Je vous souhaite un bon Ramadan” are enough. “Ramadan Mubarak” is also understood by everyone and much appreciated.

How do you write Ramadan Mubarak in Arabic?

Ramadan Mubarak is written رمضان مبارك, and Ramadan Kareem رمضان كريم.

How do you reply to Ramadan Mubarak?

“Ramadan Mubarak” in return, or “Allah yabarik fik”, “may God bless you too”. To “Ramadan Kareem”, the reply is “Allahu akram”, “God is more generous still”.

Can you say Ramadan Kareem?

Yes, it is a very common greeting. Some scholars prefer “Ramadan Mubarak”, others see no harm in it. If in doubt, “Ramadan Mubarak” suits everyone.

When does Ramadan 2027 start?

In France, Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, to be confirmed the evening before. See every date.

And for the end of the month, think about your outfit: our Eid outfit ideas for men help you choose your qamis in time.