If you live in a Muslim country or have Muslim friends, you have probably heard the term Jazakallah Khair, or simply Jazakallah. You must be wondering what that means, but you didn’t ask your Muslim friend.
In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of Jazakallah Khair, why Muslims use this phrase, its advantages, and how to respond to it.
What is the meaning of Jazakallah?
Jazakallah Khari means ‘May Allah reward you.’ It is a shorter version of the complete dua, Jazakallah Khari or Jazakallah Khairan.
Jazakallah means that may Allah reward you, but it is an incomplete dua. What reward are you asking for him that is not defined in this dua?
Are you asking for health, wealth, or something else? Therefore, you will hear Jazakallah Khari or Jazakallah Khairan in most Arabic countries. The people of non-Arabic countries have shortened this widely used phrase.
However, if someone says Jazakallah to you, don’t try to correct him or her. He is wishing you Allah’s mercy, and since they are non-Arabic, they don’t know it’s half the dua.
What is the meaning of Jazakallah Khari?
Jazakallah Khair or Jazakallah Khairan means ‘May Allah reward you (with) goodness.’ It is a common practice in most Muslim countries to say Jazakallah Khair instead of thank you.
What are the variations used for Jazakallah?
Jazakallah is the most common word used by Muslims globally. However, due to changes in language and dialect, the word may sound different in many countries.
Here are a few variations of Jazakallah Khair.
- Jazakumullahu khairan
- Jazakumullahu khair
- Jazakallah khair
- Jazak allahu khayran
- Jazakillah khair
What is the definition of Jazakallah Khair?
Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khari is defined as the Islamic way to say thank you. You will witness several Muslims saying Jazakallah Khair instead of thank you because it adds Allah’s blessings and is considered a great complimentary dua for the reciver.
Should I use Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khair?
We highly recommend that you use Jazakallah Khair over just Jazakallah. Here are a few reasons for using Jazakallah.
- It is a complete dua.
- It is widely practiced in a Muslim country
- It adds Allah’s blessings to your word
- The best way to show gratitude
Is Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khair in the Holy Quran?
We searched the Holy Quran and couldn’t find Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khair. Shukran is used to thank anyone or Allah in the Holy Quran instead of Jazakallah. However, the significance of using Jazakallah can be seen in Hadiths.
The significance of Jazakallah in Hadiths
Jazakallah Khair means to show gratitude to anyone. If someone has done a favor for you, say Jazakallah Khair. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) practiced saying Jazakallah Khairan and prescribed Muslims to do so.
Here is a Hadith reported by Usamah bin Zaid (RA), The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who is favoured by another and says to his benefactor: `Jazak-Allah khairan (may Allah reward you well)’ indeed praised (the benefactor) satisfactorily.” — Riyad as-Salihin 1496
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has asked Muslims to say Jazakallah Khairan to the one who has benefited them. Al-Miqdam b. Ma’dikarib reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No one has ever eaten better food than what he eats as a result of the labour of his hands. God’s prophet David used to eat from what he had worked for with his hands.” — Mishkat al-Masabih 2759
For the Hadith we can see the importance of saying Jazakallah Khairan and why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has asked his belivers to add it in our daily lives. We should replacy thank you with Jazakallah Khairan and spread this message to others.
What is the reply of Jazakallah Khairan?
Wa Antum fa Jazakumullahu khayran is the reply you should give to the person appreciating your efforts. For if you have done a favor to your friend and he replies Jazakallah Khairan, you should say ‘Wa Antum fa Jazakumullahu khayran’ in reply.
If you go with Arabic grammar, Jazakallah is wa iyyaka, which can be said to a male. Whereas wa iyyaki is for a female and was iyyakum is for more than one person. It means the same to you. The blessings of Jazakallah Kharian which you gave me shall return to you, too.
How to use Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khairan in sentences?
This is probably one of the easiest tasks. All you have to do is replace ‘Thank You’ with Jazakallah or Jazakallah Khairan. Here are a few examples of using Jazakallah in sentences.
- Here you go! I have serviced your car, and it now looks like a brand-new car.
- Your reply should be, Jazakallah Khariran.
- We have prepared the food for your family since you were coming back to the United States.
- Reply: Jazakallah Khairan. Wil eat it together.
- We have collected $2000 for your medical treatment.
- Reply: Jazakallah.
- When you were in the hospital, we asked the Imam to pray for you in the mosque.
- Jazakallah. Maybe that is the reason for my speedy recovery.
Wrap Up
Saying Jazakallah Khairan to a Muslim who has done you a favor adds an element of respect and gratitude. Of course, there is no harm in saying ‘Thank You’, but saying Jazakallah will add feelings to it.
You can try slowely replacing thank you with Jazakallah in your daily routine and let us know about the feelings and responce you got in the comment section.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Jazakallah in English?
Jazakallah means ‘May Allah reward you.’
What is the translation of Jazakallah Khairan?
Jazakallah Khairan means ‘May Allah reward you with goodness.’
When can you say Jazakallah?
You can say Jazakalalh instead of Thank You to anyone.
Is Jazakallah mentioned in the Holy Quran?
We have checked several Surahs in the Holy Quran but could not find the word Jazakallah. The word Shukran is present instead with the translation of Thank You or Thanks.
What is the reply of Jazakallah Khairan?
The reply for Jazakallah Khari or Jazakallah Khairan is Wa Antum fa Jazakumullahu khayran.
What else should you know?
Here is the list of our guides on basic Islamic words and their meanings.
