JazakAllah Khair (جزاك اللهُ خيراً) translates to a beautiful dua meaning, "May Allah reward you with good." The Prophet Muhammad has taught Muslims to say JazakAllah or JazakAllah Khair when someone does them a good deed. This phrase infuses gratitude with faith. By saying JazakAllah Khair, you are thanking the person and asking Allah to reward them for the good deed they have done unto you. In Western cultures, the common phrase that shows gratitude is Thank you. However, Jazakallah Khair is better for Muslims. It is the perfect response that shows gratitude to the person and benefits them by asking Allah to reward them for their good deed. Moreover, this phrase acknowledges that the ultimate gratitude belongs to Allah. He is the one who grants us favor through different means. Substitute Jazakallah Khair for Thank you in your daily routine to give and receive beautiful duas.
JazakAllah Khair is common among Muslims, but different variations are used by people all over the world. Some people use a shortened version by saying JazakAllah (جزاك اللهُ), which translates to "May Allah reward you."
Similarly, you might have heard people saying JazakAllahu Khairan. JazakAllah Khair and Jazakallahu Khairan have similar meanings. Khair means "good," while Khairan means "goodness." Both are valid and can be used interchangeably.
There is a slight variation in this phrase when it is used to thank a male vs a female. When you're addressing males, you can say, "JazakAllah." However, for showing thankfulness to females, you can say "Jazakillah" (جَزَاكِ اللهُ خَيْرًا).
JazakAllah (جزاك اللهُ) / Jazakallah Khair / Jazakallah Khairan – for males
Jazakillah (جَزَاكِ اللهُ) / Jazakillah Khair / Jazakillah Khairan – For females
Likewise, for a group of people, you can say “Jazakumullah Khairan” (جَزَاكُمْ اللهُ خَيْرًا).
Phonetically JazakAllah Khair is pronounced as 'jah-zah-kah-lah kha-yr.' let's break it down for a clear and better understanding.
1. JazakAllah
Ja: Pronounced as 'jah' with an emphasis on the sound of 'h' at the end, just like in 'Elijah'
Sounds like 'jah'
Za: Pronounced as 'zah' with a strong emphasis on the sound of 'h' like the sound of 's' in 'husband'
Sounds like 'zah'
Ka: Pronounced as 'kah' like 'Khair'
Sounds like 'kahh'
Llah: Pronounced as 'lah' with a strong emphasis on the sound of 'l' at the start.
Sounds like 'lah'
2. Khair
Kha: Pronounced as 'kha' with an emphasis on the sound of 'k' at the start
Sounds like 'kha'
Ir: Pronounced like 'iyr' with emphasis on 'yr'
Sounds like 'iaer'
If we combine it all together, it will sound like 'jah-zah-kah-lah kha-yr.'
JazakAllah Khair is a beautiful amalgam of two words that describe and pray for Allah's blessings upon you. You can use these words anywhere and to anyone you feel obliged to. However, there are some instances where this phrase is used more often than ever.
The basic goal of saying 'JazakAllah Khair' is to express your gratitude and obligation towards the other person. It is an excellent replacement for 'thank you' holding a deep spiritual meaning.
Helping one another in times of need is in the nature of mankind. As a Muslim, when someone helps you or does you a favor in tough situations, no reply is better than saying 'JazakAllah Khair.' You're basically praying that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) rewards their kindness with goodness.
Only the people who are near to you and sincere to you will give you true advice that will be truly beneficial for you. So, whenever your dear people advise you on something, the best way to respond to it is by saying, 'JazakAllah Khair.'
A supplication or a prayer from a sincere heart goes high above the clouds. If you have someone who prays for your health and well-being, then it is your moral duty to give them due regard. Saying 'JazakAllah Khair' as a reply will honor that person with Allah's blessings.
Islam has given a lot of importance to people who give charity and donations. As someone who collects charity from people for different causes and distributes it among the needy, you must thank every giver. So, instead of saying 'thank you,' reply with 'JazakAllah Khair,' which is far better.
One of the core Islamic values is to do good deeds and help others in times of need. Saying 'JazakAllah Khair' recognizes these values. It is accepting that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) acknowledges every deed and He (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives the reward. The importance of saying this beneficial reply has been narrated several times in the Hadith.
In Riyad as-Salihin, Usamah bin Zaid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who is favored by another and says to his benefactor: `Jazak-Allah khairan (may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) reward you well)' indeed praised (the benefactor) satisfactorily.'
Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave a lot of importance to praising the good deeds of people. Usamah bin Zaid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever has some good done to him, and he says: 'May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) reward you in goodness' then he has done the most that he can of praise." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2035.
In the Quran, saying JazakAllah Khair is not mentioned. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) poses paramount significance to doing good deeds in response to the good deeds. In Surah Ar-Rehman, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says,
"Should the reward of goodness be aught else but goodness?"
This verse shows that goodness can only be reciprocated by goodness, which is by saying 'JazakAllah Khair.'
JazakAllah Khair is a complete supplication in itself. But many people use some other terms in conjunction with JazakAllah Khair. People often reply to a good deed by saying 'JazakAllah Khair and Shukran' both of which are Arabic terms meaning 'thank you'.
JazakAllah Khair transcends a simple thank you. It is a powerful expression of gratitude. By saying JazakAllah Khair, Muslims acknowledge the importance of good deeds and put their faith in the reward system of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). This beautiful supplication bestows countless blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) on the people who did good.
JazakAllah Khair is a way to express gratitude. At any time, you feel obliged by the favors of other people, you can say JazakAllah Khair.
Saying JazakAllah Khair is a sunnah of our beloved Prophet. It acknowledges the goodness in other people and it's a simple prayer stating that Allah will bless you with goodness.
The literal meaning of JazakAllah Khair is 'May Allah bless you with goodness.'
No, there are different ways of saying JazakAllah Khair when you're addressing males or females. When you're addressing a male, saying 'JazakAllah Khair' is the appropriate answer while for females, saying 'Jazakillah Khair' is better.
Yes, you can. However, JazakAllah means 'May Allah reward you'. It doesn't state the reward while saying 'JazakAllah Khair'; you are giving a dua that 'May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) bless you with goodness.' So, it is more appropriate to say JazakAllah Khair.
