Is Saying ‘Jazak Allahu Khayran’ Permissible in Shariah?

Written by: Abu Muhammad Naseer Ahmad Kashif

❖ Saying "Jazak Allahu Khayran" is Legislated in Islam​

Islam is a complete religion and a comprehensive way of life. It provides guidance in every fundamental and detailed matter. While Muslims claim this—and their claim is indeed truthful—non-Muslims have also acknowledged this reality.


Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi (رضي الله عنه) reported:


The polytheists said to us: “We see that your Prophet (ﷺ) teaches you everything—even the etiquettes of relieving yourselves.”
Salman (رضي الله عنه) replied:
“Indeed! He forbade us from cleaning with our right hand, from facing the Qiblah while relieving ourselves, from using dung or bones for purification, and said:
‘Do not cleanse yourselves with less than three stones.’”


Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Purification, Chapter: Cleansing After Relief, Hadith 262 (607)


From the very early period of Islam, it has been widely known that Islamic teachings comprehensively address all matters. Alḥamdulillāh.

❖ To the Point​

In recent times, the question has arisen:
Is saying "Jazak Allahu Khayran" (May Allah reward you with goodness) to a fellow Muslim upon receiving help or kindness Islamically valid?


Some individuals argue that it is not appropriate, citing various reasons. However, when we examine the evidence, the stronger position becomes clear:

❖ Sunnah Evidence from the Time of the Prophet ﷺ​

◈ Sayyidah A’ishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated that she borrowed a necklace from Sayyidah Asma (رضي الله عنها) and lost it. The Prophet ﷺ sent a man to search for it, and he found it. When the time for prayer came and there was no water, the people prayed without ablution. Upon reporting this incident to the Prophet ﷺ, Allah revealed the verse of Tayammum.


At that moment, Sayyiduna Usayd ibn Hudayr (رضي الله عنه) said to A’ishah (رضي الله عنها):


"Jazakillahu Khayran!"
“May Allah reward you with goodness. By Allah, whenever something occurs to you which seems difficult, Allah makes it a source of goodness for you and all Muslims.”


Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Tayammum, Hadith 336; Sahih Muslim, Book of Menstruation, Hadith 109/367


This proves that saying these words was known and practiced during the time of the Prophet ﷺ by his noble companions.

◈ Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) narrated:


When my father, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), was wounded (by a dagger), I visited him. The companions began praising him and said:
“Jazak Allahu Khayran”
“May Allah reward you with goodness.”
Sayyiduna ‘Umar replied:
"Rāghib wa rāhib"
“I have both hope and fear from Allah.”


Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book of Leadership, Chapter: Appointment of a Successor, Hadith 1823/11

◈ A Bedouin had sold dates to the Prophet ﷺ in exchange for a camel. When dates were not available at home, the Prophet ﷺ asked Sayyidah Khawlah bint Hakim (رضي الله عنها) about dates and sent the man to her.


Later, when the Bedouin passed by the Prophet ﷺ, he said:


"Jazak Allahu Khayran, faqad awqayta wa atyabta."
“May Allah reward you with goodness; you have fulfilled and done it excellently.”


Reference: Musnad Ahmad 6/268–269 or 43/337–339, Hadith 26312 — Chain: Hasan; Muhammad ibn Ishaq clearly stated hearing.


This narration further supports the permissibility and practice of saying this phrase.

❖ The Clear and Explicit Proof​

◈ Sayyiduna Jabir (رضي الله عنه) narrated:


The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Jazākumullāhu Khayran, O Ansar! Especially the household of ‘Amr ibn Haram and Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubādah."


Reference: al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Nasa’i, 7/361, Hadith 8223 / 8281 — Chain: Authentic

❖ Gratitude to People is Gratitude to Allah​

◈ Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated:


The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah.”


Reference:
Sunan Abi Dawud, Book of Manners, Chapter on Thanking for Kindness, Hadith 4811;
Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Righteousness and Relations, Hadith 1957 — Chain: Authentic; also authenticated by Ibn Hibban (Hadith 3407)


This Hadith strongly encourages expressing thanks, including through phrases like “Jazak Allahu Khayran.”

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❖ Analysis of Encouraging Narrations​

① Narration from Usamah ibn Zayd (رضي الله عنه):


“Whoever has goodness done to him and replies, ‘Jazak Allahu Khayran,’ has fulfilled his duty of praise.”


Reference: Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Righteousness, Hadith 2035; al-Sunan al-Kubra of al-Nasa’i, etc.
Chain: Weak — Sulaiman al-Taymi was a mudallis and did not state hearing.

② Narration from Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):


Reference: Musnad al-Humaydi (1194), Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq (3118), Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (9/70, Hadith 26509), etc.
Chain: Weak — Musa ibn Ubaydah is a weak narrator.


③ Athar (Statement) from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه):


“If any of you knew the reward of saying to his brother ‘Jazak Allahu Khayran,’ you would say it often.”


Reference: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 9/70-71, Hadith 26510
Chain: Weak due to interruption; Talah ibn ‘Ubaydullah ibn Kariz did not meet ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه)


Imam Ibn Hajar and Imam al-Suyuti both considered similar chains as interrupted (munqati‘).

Conclusion​

Although the chains of some narrations praising this exact wording are weak, the established practice of the Companions, along with multiple authentic narrations, clearly prove that saying "Jazak Allahu Khayran" is Sunnah and permissible.
It is a commendable and appropriate phrase to say at suitable times.


والْـحَـمْـدُ لِلّٰہ