If you have traveled to Arabian countries like Saudi Arabia or Dubai, you have heard almost everyone (local) say Shukran instead of thank you or Jazakallah.
That is because Shukran is the most common word used in several Arabian countries for centuries. The same is the case with Gracias in Spanish and Merci in French. However, the word Shukran is widely understood in Southeast Asian countries as well because it is mentioned in the Quran, and several Southeast Asian countries have Muslim populations.
So, how did Shukran become so popular? In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of Shukran, Its advantages, how to use it, and if it’s mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadith.
What is the meaning of Shukran?
The word Shukran means ‘Thank You.’ It is used to show appreciation to anyone who has done a favor for you. The word is mostly used in Arabic countries, but it now reaches the US, UK, and Canada.
The word can be found in the Holy Quran and Hadiths, with the exact same spelling and different variations.
How to pronounce Shukran?
Shukran is easier to pronounce than other words like Mashallah or Subhanallah. However, if you are finding it difficult to pronounce, break it into pieces and pronounce them separately. Here is the drill.
- Shook
- runnnn
Combine them, and you can pronounce Shukran correctly.
Variations of Shukran
People from the Middle East mostly use Shuran with a small variation. Here are a few Shukran variations.
- Shukran Ya Lak — The meaning of Shukran Ya Lak is ‘Thanks a lot.’
- Shukran Jazilan — The meaning of Shukran Jazilan is ‘Thank you so much.’
- Shukran Jazilaan Lak — The meaning of Shukran Jazilaan Lak is ‘Thank you very much.’
- Shukran Habibi — Thank you dear
Shukran meaning from the Holy Quran and Hadiths
Shukran or its variations can be found in many verses of the Holy Quran and Hadiths. Here are a few examples of Shukran used in Quranic verses.
The word Shukran has appeared only one time in the Holy Quran in Surah Saba Verse 13, “They made for him whatever he desired of sanctuaries, statues, basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking pots fixed ˹into the ground˺. ˹We ordered:˺ “Work gratefully, O family of David!” ˹Only˺ a few of My servants are ˹truly˺ grateful.'”
However, the words Shukar, Iashkoor and Yashkoor are widely used to thank Allah. You can also use Alhamdulillah to thank Allah instead of Shukran.
Hadiths & Implications of Shukran
There are several Hadiths that have the word Shukran Allah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to say Shukran Allah when he heard good news, which pleased him. Here is the complete Hadith, The Prophet (PBUH), upon receiving news which pleased him or which caused pleasure, would prostrate in gratitude to Allah blessed and exalted — Hisn al-Muslim 242
To Thank Allah
We can say shukran to a person or to Allah. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) has set this example by saying Shukran or Shukar in prostate. Here is the complete Hadith, Ibn ‘Abbas said that the Prophet prostrated himself when reciting Sad (Al-Qur’an; 38) and said, “David made this prostration in repentance, but we do it out of gratitude.” — Mishkat al-Masabih 1038
To avoid Hell Fire
The Prophet (PBUH) advises people to Thank Allah for his message, and those who do not thank him and don’t show gratitude will end up in hell. Here is the Hadith for your reference. Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), The Prophet (PBUH) said, “None will enter Paradise but will be shown the place he would have occupied in the (Hell) Fire if he had rejected faith, so that he may be more thankful; and none will enter the (Hell) Fire but will be shown the place he would have occupied in Paradise if he had faith, so that may be a cause of sorrow for him.” — Sahih al-Bukhari Vol. 8, Book 76, Hadith 573
The Kings have said Shukran
When the Romans defeated the Persian army, Ceasar went to Aelia, which is Jerusalem now, to thank Allah at Masjid Al-Aqsa (Bayt al-Maqdis). Here is the Hadith for your reference: When Allah inflicted defeat on the armies of Persia, Caesar moved from Hims to Aelia (Bait al-Maqdis) to thank Allah as He granted him victory.” In this hadith these words occur:” From Muhammad, servant of Allah and His Messenger,” and said:” The sin of your followers,” and also said the words:” to the call of Islam”. — Sahih Muslim 1773b
Conclusion
For the Hadiths and multiple verses in the Holy Quran, we can say that the word Shukran is important in Islam and should be included in our daily lives. It can be used to Thank Allah for his blessings or to thank a friend or family member for his favor.
How to use Shukran in sentences?
There are several ways to add Shukran in your sentence. All you need to do is replace thank you with it. Here are a few examples for a better understanding.
- Person: It’s hot today; here is a bottle of chilled water
- You: Shukran
- Person: I have bought some fruits for you
- You: Shukran, let’s eat them together!
- You are blessed with a baby boy! (Good News)
- You: Shukran or Shukar Alhumduillah.
What is the reply of Shukran?
Shukran is saying thank you to Allah or someone who helped you or brought good news. However, if you announce good news to the person who said Shukran, reply with ‘Afwan.’
Afwan means You’re Welcome.
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed everything you need to know about the word Shukran. We have defined Shukran’s meaning, its implications, how to use it in a sentence, and its significance in the Holy Quran and Hadith.
We will continuously update this blog with new information and examples related to Shukran.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Shukran in English?
Shukran’s translation is ‘Thank You.’ The word can be used instead of thank you in our daily lives.
Can I say Shukran Allah?
Yes you can definitely say Shukran Allah whenever you are trying to thank Allah for his blessings.
How to write Shukran in Arabic?
Here is the Arabic writing of Shukran.
شكراً
What other ways to say thank you in Arabic?
Here are a few ways to say thank you in Arabic.
- Shukran
- Tislam
- Mamnoonk
- Yatik al-afiya
- Yekather Khariak
