Polite words are among the first words children use every day. Learning them in Arabic links good manners with Islam.
Seven polite words
| Arabic | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مِنْ فَضْلِكَ | min fadlik | please |
| شُكْرًا | shukran | thank you |
| عَفْوًا | ‘afwan | you’re welcome; excuse me |
| آسِف / آسِفَة | asif / asifah | sorry (boy / girl) |
| لَوْ سَمَحْتَ | law samaht | excuse me, if you don’t mind |
| تَفَضَّلْ | tafaddal | here you are; please go ahead |
| جَزَاكَ اللّٰهُ خَيْرًا | jazakallahu khayran | may Allah reward you with good |
At the table
- “الْمَاءُ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ” (Water, please).
- “تَفَضَّلْ” (Here you are).
- “شُكْرًا” “عَفْوًا”.
The best thank you
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever is done a favour and says “Jazakallahu khayran” has praised the person fully (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2035). Teach it for teachers, grandparents and anyone who helps.
A two-week challenge
For two weeks, family members only get passed food if they ask in Arabic. Children enjoy catching adults who forget.
Teacher’s tip: say جَزَاكَ اللّٰهُ خَيْرًا to your child when they help you. They learn it by receiving it.
Related: Islamic phrases and apologising properly.
