جزاك الله خيرا
jazak Allahu khayran
jazakallah khair is an Arabic phrase used to thank someone by praying that God rewards them with goodness.
This phrase is used as a more spiritually significant alternative to a simple 'thank you' (shukran) among Muslims.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase جزاك الله خيرا literally translates to 'May God reward you with goodness'.
Which one should you use?
To emphasize gratitude even further, you can say Jazakallah Khairan Kaseera.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, people may say Shukran Jazilan instead of Jazakallah Khair.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. To address a female, the suffix changes from -ka to -ki, resulting in jazaki Allahu khayran.
How do you pronounce it?
jazak Allahu khayran
When do people say it?
When someone uses this phrase to thank you, you can respond with a phrase meaning 'and to you also'. If you are addressing a male, the response is wa iyyaka. If addressing a female, use wa iyyaki. If addressing a group, use wa iyyakum.
Did you know?
- The word الله shares a common ancestral root with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah), reflecting a shared linguistic heritage across Semitic languages.
- While shukran is a general expression of gratitude, jazakallah khair functions as a 'dua', which is a formal personal supplication to God on behalf of another person.
- In many cultures, jazakallah khair is used not just for favors, but as a polite way to acknowledge a piece of helpful advice or a spiritual reminder.
Examples in context
- جزاك الله خيرا على مساعدتك.Jazak Allahu khayran 'ala musa'adatik.May God reward you with goodness for your help.
- شكراً لك، جزاك الله خيرا.Shukran lak, jazak Allahu khayran.Thank you, may God reward you with goodness.
- جزاك الله خيرا على هذا الإطعام.Jazak Allahu khayran 'ala hadha al-it'am.May God reward you with goodness for this meal.
Example conversation
Ahmad has helped Noor carry some heavy boxes.
- نور Nourشكراً جزيلاً لك يا أحمد.Shukran jazilan lak ya Ahmad.Thank you very much, Ahmad.
- أحمد Ahmedلا شكر على واجب.La shukra 'ala wajib.Don't mention it.
- نور Nourجزاك الله خيرا.Jazak Allahu khayran.May God reward you with goodness.
- أحمد Ahmedوإياكِ.Wa iyyaki.And you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
