Wa Iyyaka or Wa Iyyakum is usually said to someone who has praised you or offered blessings upon you. The word is usually used as a reply to Jazakallah Khairan, which is one of the most popular Arabic words in Muslim society and is used as an Islamic version of Thank You.
Similarly, Wa Iyyaka can be used as an Islamic version of Welcome. In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of Wa Iyyaka. We will also discuss how to use Wa Iyyaka in sentences with proper Arabic grammar.
Wa Iyyaka in Arabic
وَإِيَّاكَ
Wa Iyyaka in English
Here is the English transliteration of Wa Iyyaka
Wa ‘iyyāka
Wa Iyyaka translation
Wa Iyyaka is used in reply to Jazakallah Khair. It is an Islamic way of saying Welcome when someone blesses you. The exact translation is “And to you as well” or “Same to you.”
How to pronounce Wa Iyyaka?
Here is how to easily pronounce Wa Iyyaka.
- Waa
- Iee
- Yaaka
Wa Iyyaka meaning
Wa Iyyaka simply means the same to you or to you as well. The term is used to reply when someone blesses you by saying Jazakallah khairan, Ahsanallahu ilayk, Barakallahu Feek, etc.
Alternatively, you can say Wa antum fa jazakumullahu khairan instead of Wa Iyyaka. It means, “And you too, May Allah reward you with good.”
Wa Iyyaka variations
Here are a few variations of Wa Iyyaka.
| Arabic | English Transliteration | English Meaning | Person/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| وَإِيَّاكَ | Wa Iyyāka | And you too | Male (singular) |
| وَإِيَّاكِ | Wa Iyyāki | And you too | Female (singular) |
| وَإِيَّاكُمَا | Wa Iyyākumā | And you too | Dual (both male/female) |
| وَإِيَّاكُمْ | Wa Iyyākum | And you too | Male (plural) |
| وَإِيَّاكنَّ | Wa Iyyākunna | And you too | Female (plural) |
Wa Iyyaka used in Senteces
Wa Iyyaka can be used in sentences in the following ways.
- Wa Iyyāka is commonly used to address a single male.
- Example: Thank You for the favor at the office, Jazakallah. (Reply: Wa Iyyaka, what are friends for!) — A conversation between two colleagues.
- Wa Iyyāki is used to address a single female.
- Jazakallah, sister, for the cup of tea. You are my best friend. (reply: Wa Iyyaki, best friends forever.) — A conversation between two sisters.
- Wa Iyyākumā is used to address two or more males, both male and female, whereas ‘Wa Iyyākum‘ is used for a group of male, and Wa Iyyākunna is for a group of females.
What are the benefits of using Wa Iyyaka?
Here are a few benefits of adding Wa Iyyaka to your daily conversation.
1- Expression of Goodwill and Reciprocity:
Saying Wa Iyyaka shows mutual kindness, gratitude, and good intentions towards the person who prayed for you. It’s a courteous way to acknowledge someone’s prayer or gesture. You can also show goodwill and gratitude towards a Muslim by saying Mashallah on his achievements.
2- Strengthening Social Bonds:
Using such phrases promotes a positive atmosphere and strengthens social bonds within the community. It encourages the spread of goodwill, love, and respect among people.
3- Following the Sunnah of Good Conduct:
Responding to good deeds or prayers with a reciprocal blessing or dua aligns with the Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) teachings of maintaining good manners and gratitude. You can also say Tabarakallah on your Muslim brother’s accomplishments.
4- Spiritual Rewards:
Saying Wa Iyyaka carries the potential for earning spiritual rewards, as it is a dua itself, asking Allah to bestow the same goodness and blessings on the person who initiated the prayer. You can also bless them with dua for Jannah or dua for guidance.
5- Upholding Islamic Etiquette:
Responding with “Wa Iyyaka” maintains the beautiful etiquette of returning goodness for goodness, as emphasized in the Quran: “Is there any reward for goodness except goodness? —Surah Ar-Rahman Verse 60
6- Creating a Positive Environment:
Using such words contributes to creating a respectful and positive environment. It spreads the attitude of appreciation and humility, where people recognize and reciprocate acts of kindness.
Wrap Up
We have discussed the meaning of Wa Iyyaka in detail with its Arabic text and English transliteration and translation. We have also discussed a few variations of Wa Iyyaka and how to include them in sentences and daily routines.
Lastly, we have shed light on the benefits of saying this Arabic phrase. We hope that you find this guide informative and will share it with others.
What else should you know?
Here is a list of a few powerful Islamic terms you should know.
