JazakAllahu Khair is often used by Muslims in everyday language to express gratitude – in essence, it is a replacement for ‘thank you’ (which in Arabic is ‘shukran’). So, what exactly does the term JazakAllahu Khair actually mean? So today for us What is Jazakallah Khairan?
Meaning Of JazakAllahu Khair
JazakAllah Khair جزاك الله خير means “May Allah reward you with good (or goodness)”
Jazaka جزاك : reward you/compensate you
Allahu ُالله : The God
Khair خير : (with) good, goodness.
Contexts Of Use Of JazakAllahu Khair
The following variations can be used depending on the context
- JazakAllahu Khair/Khairan – is the term that is rightfully used when addressing an individual male.
- JazakiAllahu Khair/Khairan – should be used when the speaker is addressing an individual female.
- JazaAllahu Khair/Khairan – when (implicitly) asking Allah to reward someone (an individual) in their absence or when not directly addressing them. This translates into “May Allah reward him/her with good”
- JazakumAllahu Khair/Khairan – when addressing a group of individuals directly
- JazahumAllahu Khair/Khairan – when (implicitly) asking Allah to reward more than one person. This translates into “May Allah reward them with good”
Common Mistakes When Using JazakAllahu Khair
Often, people (usually non-Arab Muslims) mistakenly say “JazakAllah” جزاك اللهُ, which translates to “May Allah reward you” or “May Allah compensate you.” Linguistically, this is incomplete without the addition of “Khair” خير, which means “good.” Therefore, collectively, “JazakAllahu Khair” جزاك الله خير refers to “May Allah reward you with good” or “May Allah compensate you with good.” The use of “Khair” is important because linguistically, it is correct to use “Jaza” with something other than good. Thus, when thanking someone, the complete phrase “JazakAllahu Khair” should be used.
Why Use The Term JazakAllahu Khair?
Reciprocating, or giving something in return to a person who has helped you in any way, is one of the most basic human etiquettes. The Prophet (SAW) himself has informed his followers that if one cannot or is unable to give something in return, then he should make du’a for that individual – which is indeed something that is much more valuable than any material gift. Hence, JazakAllahu Khair is the most apt du’a for a giver.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said:
“Whoever does you a favor, then reciprocate, and if you cannot find anything with which to reciprocate, then pray for him until you think that you have reciprocated him.” [Narrated by Abu Dawood; classed as Sahih by al-Albaani]
It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) also said: “Whoever has a favor done for him and says to the one who did it, ‘JazakAllahu Khairan,’ has done enough to thank him.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Upholding the ties of brotherhood and kinship are stressed upon in Islam time and time again. Through a simple expression used as a gesture of showing gratitude or thanking another, Islam further strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, Alhamdulillah!
Allah, the Most High, says in the Holy Qur’an:
هَلْ جَزَاء الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ
“Is there any reward for good other than good?”
[Surah Ar-Rahman 55:60]
Jazakallah Khair is a humble yet powerful dua that you make for your Muslim brother/sister. And always remember that when you make dua for someone to Allah, the angels make the same dua for you, SubhanAllah! There is no doubt that whatever dua the angels make on your behalf will definitely be accepted, if it is good for you. The scholars used to do this a lot, if they needed something from Allah, they would ask Allah for it and along with that they would also make dua for someone else so that the angels would make dua for them.
Making it a habit to say Jazakallah Khair in our daily conversations helps us to constantly remember our Rabb, the Almighty Allah.
The difference between ‘ Shukran ’ and ‘ Jazakallah Khair ’ is clear; the first is merely thanking the giver, while the latter is actually making dua for the giver to be blessed by the Almighty. Therefore, as Muslims and in accordance with the Sunnah, Jazakallah Khair should be used instead of ‘Thank You’ or ‘Shukran’. Also remember, that by using this phrase, Insha’Allah you will also get the reward of practicing upon a Sunnah, Alhamdulillah!
Appropriate Responses To JazakAllahu Khairan
Jazakallah/Khair has several responses. One of the most formal responses is “Wa antum fa jazakumullah khair” وَأَنْتُمْ فَجَزَاكُمُ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرًا which literally translates to “And for you one should use “Wa iyyaki.” When addressing a group of people, one should use the phrase “Wa iyyakum.”
Therefore, as Muslims, we should make it a practice in our lives to use the phrase Jazakallah/Khair instead of “Thank you” or “Thanks.” It is indeed a great Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Alternatives To JazakAllahu Khair
An alternative to JazakAllahu Khair is “BarakAllahu Feek” which translates to “May Allah bless you”. However, it is more appropriate to use JazakAllahu Khair when thanking someone.
JazakumUllahu Khairan!
