Do Muslims hug three times on Eid?

Many Muslims do hug three times on Eid, but it's a cultural custom, not a religious rule. There's no hadith that says to hug three times on Eid. It's a warm tradition, especially among South Asian, Arab and Turkish communities, and you're free to join in or simply shake hands.

Where the three hugs come from

The "Eid hug" usually goes right shoulder, left shoulder, right shoulder again, often with "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" in between. In some cultures it's two hugs, in others it's a kiss on each cheek, and some communities just shake hands. It grew out of local habits, not from a specific teaching of the Prophet ﷺ about Eid.

That doesn't make it wrong. Islam keeps good customs that don't clash with its teachings, and hugging a friend you love is a natural way to show joy on a happy day.

What Islam does teach about greetings

Greet warmly: the Quran tells believers to answer a greeting with a better one, or at least the same.
Shaking hands: Anas was asked whether the Companions used to shake hands, and he said yes (Sahih al-Bukhari 6263).
Hugging: the Companions are reported to embrace when someone returned from a journey. Scholars generally see a hug between people of the same gender, or between close family, as fine.

وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا۟ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَآ أَوْ رُدُّوهَآ "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]." Quran 4:86

Who should you hug?

The Eid hug happens between men and men, and women and women. Most scholars say not to hug or shake hands with people of the opposite sex who aren't close family. If an uncle or a brother-in-law opens his arms, a friendly smile, a hand on your heart and "Eid Mubarak!" works well. See Can I still shake hands with the opposite sex as a Muslim?

Hugging your own parents, children and siblings is fine, Muslim or not. See Can I hug my relatives at holiday gatherings as a Muslim?

For converts at their first Eid

If you didn't grow up with it, the three-hug routine can catch you off guard. Just follow the other person's lead. If you go in for a single hug and they keep going, laugh and keep going too; nobody will mind. And if you're not a hugger, a firm handshake and a big smile are completely Islamic. To know what you're saying while you hug, see What does "Eid Mubarak" mean?

Key points

Hugging three times on Eid is a cultural custom, not a sunnah.
It's allowed as long as it's within normal Islamic limits.
Eid hugs are between the same gender or close family.
A handshake and "Eid Mubarak" are just as good.

Tip: At the mosque after the Eid prayer, stand with people of your own gender and go with the flow. The hugs are part of the fun, and it's a great way to meet people in your new community.

Do Muslims hug three times on Eid?

Where the three hugs come from

What Islam does teach about greetings

Who should you hug?

For converts at their first Eid

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