Yarhamukallah Meaning in English and Arabic Text

Yarhamukallah

In Islam, even the simple act of sneezing has an associated etiquette that reflects kindness, respect, and consideration for others. Yarhamukallah is a short dua made in response to a person who has sneezed and has said “alhamdulillah”.

Yarhamukallah Meaning in English

“Yarhamukallah” (يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّه) is an Arabic phrase that means “May Allah have mercy on you.” It is commonly said to someone who sneezes, in line with Islamic etiquette. When a Muslim sneezes, they are encouraged to say “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and in response, others say “Yarhamukallah” as a way of invoking Allah’s mercy for the sneezer.

Yarhamukallah in Arabic

This short dua is written in Arabic as

يَرْحَمُكَ الله

Yarhamuk Allah for Female

For a female, the phrase “Yarhamuk Allah” is slightly modified to reflect the feminine form. Instead of “Yarhamuk Allah” (يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّه) for males, you would say:

“Yarhamuki Allah” (يَرْحَمُكِ اللَّه), which means “May Allah have mercy on you” directed towards a female.

The difference is the addition of the “ki” (كِ) suffix, which is used to address females in Arabic grammar.

Why Do We Say “Yarhamukallah”?

The tradition of saying “Yarhamukallah” is derived from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a way to invoke blessings and mercy from Allah for the person who sneezes.

The Proper Response to Sneezing

The Islamic etiquette surrounding sneezing follows a specific pattern:

  1. The person who sneezes should say: “Alhamdulillah” (الحمد لله) – Meaning “All praise is due to Allah.” This is an expression of gratitude to Allah for the relief of sneezing.
  2. Those around the person who sneezes should reply: “Yarhamukallah” (يَرْحَمُكَ الله) – “May Allah have mercy on you.”
  3. The person who sneezed should then respond by saying: “Yahdikumullah wa yuslihu balakum” (يَهْدِيكُمُ اللهُ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَكُم) – “May Allah guide you and set your affairs in order.”

This exchange is simple but powerful, as it fosters a sense of community, brotherhood, and blessings among Muslims.

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Yahdikumullah wa Yuslihu Balakum Meaning in English

The phrase “Yahdikumullah wa Yuslihu Balakum” in English means “May Allah guide you and rectify your condition.” It’s a common Islamic expression and response from sneezeer.

Main Points on Sneezing Etiquette in Islam

  1. Praising Allah After Sneezing:
  • Various forms of praising Allah after sneezing have been narrated:
    • “Al-hamdu Lillah” (Praise be to Allah)
    • “Al-hamdu-Lillah ‘ala kulli hal” (Praise be to Allah in all situations)
    • “Al-hamdu-Lillah Rabb il-‘Alamin” (Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds)
  1. Response from Others:
  • When someone sneezes and praises Allah, those around them should say “Yarhamuk Allah” (May Allah have mercy on you).
  1. Response from the Sneezer:
  • Different forms of response by the sneezer to those who say “Yarhamuk Allah” have been narrated:
    • “Yahdikum Allah wa yuslihu balakum” (May Allah guide you and rectify your condition)
    • “Yaghfir Allahu lana wa lakum” (May Allah forgive us and you)
    • “‘Afana Allah wa iyyakum min al-nar, yarhamukum Allah” (May Allah save us and you from the Fire; may Allah have mercy on you)
    • “Yarhamuna Allahu wa iyyakum wa yaghfir lana wa lakum” (May Allah have mercy on us and you; may He forgive us and you)
  1. Choice of Responses:
  • Muslims may choose from any of the narrated phrases, as they are all considered valid and sahih (authentic).
  1. Scholarly Consensus:
  • Scholars agree on the necessity of praising Allah after sneezing but allow flexibility in the specific phrases used. Similarly, they allow various forms of responses from the sneezer.
Yarhamukalla

The Spiritual Significance

The act of saying “Yarhamukallah” is more than just a customary response; it carries spiritual weight. By invoking Allah’s mercy for the sneezer, you are participating in an act of compassion.

In return, the person who sneezed makes dua (supplication) for your guidance and well-being. This mutual exchange strengthens the bond between individuals and reminds us of our duty to care for one another.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of this practice in several hadiths.

Different forms of the sneezer praising Allah and responding to the one who says “May Allah have mercy on you” have been narrated.

Al-Bukhari (6224) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“When one of you sneezes, let him say, ‘Al-hamdu-Lillah (Praise be to Allah),’ and let his brother or companion say to him.

‘Yarhamuk Allah (May Allah have mercy on you).’ If he says, ‘Yarhamuk-Allah,’ then let (the sneezer) say, ‘Yahdikum Allah wa yuslihu balakum (May Allah guide you and rectify your condition).’”

Imam al-Bukhari narrated in al-Adab al-Mufrad (5033) from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“When one of you sneezes, let him say, ‘Al-hamdu-Lillah ‘ala kulli hal (Praise be to Allah in all situations),’ and let his brother or companion say to him, ‘Yarhamuk Allah (May Allah have mercy on you).’

If he says, ‘Yarhamuk-Allah ,’ then let (the sneezer say, ‘Yahdikum Allah wa yuslihu balakum (May Allah guide you and rectify your condition).’” (Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud)

Abu Dawud (5031) and al-Tirmidhi (2740) narrated that Salim ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“When one of you sneezes, let him say, ‘Al-hamdu-Lillah Rabb il-‘Alamin (Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds),’ and let the one who responds to him say, ‘Yarhamuk Allah (May Allah have mercy on you),’ and let him say, ‘Yaghfir Allahu lana wa lakum (May Allah forgive us and you.”)

Abu Hamzah said: I heard Ibn `Abbas saying when someone said ‘Yarhamuk Allah (May Allah have mercy on you)’ to him: “

‘Afana Allah wa iyyakum min al-nar, yarhamukum Allah (May Allah save us and you from the Fire; may Allah have mercy on you).” (Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad, 955)

Malik narrated in al-Muwatta (1800) from Nafi’ that if ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) sneezed and it was said to him, “Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you),’

he would say, “Yarhamuna Allahu wa iyyakum wa yaghfir lana wa lakum (may Allah have mercy on us and you, may He forgive us and you).”

A Sunnah to Remember

Following the etiquette of sneezing is a way to practice the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is a small but meaningful action that can bring blessings to both the person who sneezes and those around them.

Conclusion

In Islam, every action, no matter how small, carries significance. The practice of saying “Yarhamukallah” when someone sneezes is a reminder of the mercy and blessings we seek from Allah. It encourages gratitude, kindness, and unity within the Muslim community.

Next time someone sneezes and says Alhamdulillah, remember to follow the Islamic etiquette and respond with “Yarhamukallah.” You never know how this small act of kindness could bring immense blessings into your life.

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