What does "Jazakallahu khairan" mean?
"Jazakallahu khairan" means "May Allah reward you with good." Muslims say it instead of, or along with, "thank you", because it hands the reward over to Allah, who can repay far better than we can.
The meaning, word by word
- Jazaka: "may He reward you" (from jaza', recompense).
- Allahu: Allah.
- Khairan: "with good" or "with goodness".
So the whole phrase is a short dua. You aren't only saying you're grateful; you're asking Allah to give the other person something better than anything you could offer them back. You'll see it spelled many ways (Jazakallah khair, JazakAllahu khayran, JZK), and all of them mean the same thing.
Why it's better than a plain "thanks"
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever has a favour done for him and says to the person "Jazakallahu khairan" has done his utmost in praising him (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2035). In other words, it is the most complete way to thank someone, because no human repayment can match Allah's reward.
Thanking people also matters in itself. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever does not thank people does not thank Allah (Sunan Abi Dawud 4811). Gratitude to people and gratitude to Allah go together.
Small grammar changes
Arabic changes the ending depending on who you're talking to, but don't stress about it. People will understand any form.
- To a man: Jazaka Allahu khairan.
- To a woman: Jazaki Allahu khairan.
- To a group: Jazakumullahu khairan.
How do I reply?
Common replies are "Wa iyyakum" ("and you too") or "Wa antum fa jazakumullahu khairan" ("and may Allah reward you too"). A simple "Ameen, and you" in English works as well. You can also say it to non-Muslim friends; it's a kind wish for good, though "thank you" may be clearer for them. For other common phrases, see What does "Alhamdulillah" mean and when do I say it? and What does "SubhanAllah" mean and when do I say it?
- "Jazakallahu khairan" means "May Allah reward you with good."
- It is a dua, and the Prophet ﷺ called it the fullest way to praise someone who helped you.
- The ending changes for a man, a woman or a group, but any form is understood.
- Reply with "Wa iyyakum" or "and may Allah reward you too".
People also ask
What do I say when I hear a rooster or a dog bark?
When a rooster crows, ask Allah for His bounty; when a dog barks at night, seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan. The sunnah phrases and what they mean.
Read the full answer →Is there a dua for remembering what I study?
Yes, the main dua for studying is "Rabbi zidni ilma" (Quran 20:114). Plus a dua for useful knowledge, what to say when you forget, and study tips.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for my pet?
Yes, you can make dua for your pet: for healing, safety or a lost animal. What Islam says about mercy to animals and grieving a pet that dies.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when leaving a gathering?
When leaving a gathering, say Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika... (kaffarat al-majlis). It forgives the idle talk of that sitting. Words and meaning.
Read the full answer →What is salat al-hajah?
Salat al-hajah is the prayer of need: two voluntary rak'ahs followed by dua when you need Allah's help. How to pray it, when, and its sources.
Read the full answer →