DO NOT SAY ‘MUBAARAKALLAH’

We often hear the people saying ‘Mubaarakallah’ particularly to someone who said ‘Jazaakallahu khaira’. While examining the phrase ‘Mubaarakallah’, it is clear that it means ‘Allah is blessed’, ‘Allah is made blessed’ and ‘Allah is given blessing’.

Allah, the Exalted, is the one who blesses everyone and everything. It is Almighty Allah from whom barakat emanates to His creation, not vice versa. Allah is Al-Samad. It means that the creations turn to Allah for help and He needs none and nothing to help Him. Allah, the Almighty, needs no blessing from anyone.

So the phrase ‘Mubaarakallah’ does not convey a meaning appropriate in terms of the Islamic Creed. Let us, therefore, abstain from saying ‘Mubaarakallah’!

Instead, say ‘Wa’anta fajazaakallahu khaira’ in reply to the one who uttered ‘Jazaakallahu khaira’ to you. This way of reply is based on some Hadeeses.

“Anas Ibn Maalik (Radhiyallahu anh) narrated that Usaid Ibn Hudhair Al-Ash-hali, Al-Naqeeb came to Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He had distributed some food. Usaid Ibn Hudhair mentioned to him a household from the Lafar Tribe of Ansar. They had a need. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: O Usaid, What was in our hands was over. If you hear anything that comes to us, mention to me that household. He said: Thereafter barley and dates came to him from Khaibar. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) handed out among the masses. He gave out among the Ansar profusely and issued to that household profusely. Usaid Ibn Hudhair gratefully said to him: O Allah’s Prophet, May Allah grant you the best of the reward or the best (Jazaak Allah atyab al-jazaa’ or khaira). Then Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to him: O Ansar, May Allah grant you too the best of the reward or the best (Wa’antum fajazaakum Allah atyab al-jazaa’ or khaira). As long as I knew, you are virtuous, very patient. You will see selfishness in the matter and distribution after me. So be patient till you meet me at the river.” (Sunan Al-Nasaa’e) (Meaning)

The aforementioned Hadees is recorded in Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan as well.

Allah Ta’ala knows best.


Aboo Awwaab Haniffa Abdul Nazar

14.11.1442
25.06.2021