What do I say when someone praises me?
A beautiful response is the dua reported from the early Muslims and often linked to Abu Bakr: "Allahumma la tu'akhidhni bima yaqulun, waghfir li ma la ya'lamun, waj'alni khayran mimma yazunnun." It means: "O Allah, don't hold me to account for what they say, forgive me for what they don't know, and make me better than they think." You can also simply say "JazakAllahu khayran" or "Alhamdulillah."
The dua of the Companions
This dua is reported from the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ when people praised them, and it is often attributed to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. It does three things at once. It hands the praise back to Allah, it admits your hidden faults, and it asks Allah to make you live up to the good opinion. That is humility in one sentence. You can say it quietly to yourself, then thank the person out loud.
Simple things to say out loud
- "JazakAllahu khayran" (may Allah reward you with good). The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever is done a favour and says this has praised the other person in the best way (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2035).
- "Alhamdulillah" (all praise is for Allah), reminding yourself that any talent or success came from Him.
- "BarakAllahu fik" (may Allah bless you), returning the kindness.
- A normal "thank you" is fine too, especially with non-Muslim colleagues and family.
Is it okay to enjoy praise?
Yes, a little happiness is natural. The Prophet ﷺ was asked about a man who does a good deed and people praise him for it. He said: "That is the glad tidings given in advance to the believer" (Sahih Muslim 2642). The problem starts when you work for the praise, or when it makes you feel better than others. See Is it showing off to post my worship on social media?
When you are the one praising
Islam also teaches manners for praising others. When a man over-praised someone in front of him, the Prophet ﷺ said, "You have cut your friend's neck," and taught that if you must praise, say "I think he is so, and Allah knows best" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2662). Praise people moderately, sincerely, and preferably not to their face in a way that could puff them up. And when you admire something, say "MashaAllah" or "BarakAllah." See What do I say to avoid the evil eye when I like something?
- The Companions' dua turns praise into humility and dua.
- "JazakAllahu khayran" is the best way to thank someone.
- Feeling good about praise is natural; seeking it is the danger.
- Praise others moderately and avoid flattery.
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