Sneezing is a mini-conversation of duas. Children love learning it because it happens so often.
The three lines
| Who | Says | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| The one who sneezes | الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ | All praise is for Allah |
| The one who hears | يَرْحَمُكَ اللّٰهُ | May Allah have mercy on you |
| The one who sneezed replies | يَهْدِيكُمُ اللّٰهُ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَكُمْ | May Allah guide you and set your affairs right |
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 6224.
Manners
- Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
- Turn away from others and food.
- Wash or sanitise hands after.
At school
Your child can say “Alhamdulillah” quietly. If a Muslim friend sneezes and says it, reply “Yarhamukallah”.
Practise as a game
Take turns pretending to sneeze at dinner; everyone says their line. Within a week, children do it automatically.
Teacher’s tip: teach the first line first, then the reply. Three new phrases at once is too many for young children.
Related: Islamic phrases every child should know.
