Du'a for sneezing (and the reply)
When we sneeze we say “Alhamdulillah”. The person who hears says “Yarhamukallah”, and we answer “Yahdikumullahu wa yuslihu balakum”.
Teacher review under way.
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ
Alhamdulillah
“All praise is for Allah.”
The person who hears says
يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّهُ
Yarhamukallah
“May Allah have mercy on you.”
The one who sneezed answers
يَهْدِيكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَكُمْ
Yahdikumullahu wa yuslihu balakum
“May Allah guide you and set your affairs right.”
What it means
“Achoo! Thank You, Allah!”
When we say it
Right after we sneeze. Then the person who hears us replies, and we answer them back.
Learn the word: Alhamdulillah
How to teach it in 3 steps
Step 1: Play “Achoo!” — take turns pretend-sneezing while everyone else gives the reply.
Step 2: Teach one part at a time: first “Alhamdulillah”, then “Yarhamukallah”, then the answer.
Step 3: Sneeze into an elbow or a tissue — good manners and clean hands go together.
Questions parents ask
Is it “Yarhamukallah” for everyone?
To a boy or man it's “Yarhamukallah”; to a girl or woman many say “Yarhamukillah”. Ask your teacher.
What if the person doesn't say Alhamdulillah?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that the reply is for someone who praises Allah after sneezing (Sahih Muslim 2992) — so a gentle reminder to say “Alhamdulillah” helps children learn the whole exchange.
Sources: Sahih al-Bukhari 6224 · Hisn al-Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim)
Families and madhhabs differ on some details — ask your teacher.
Keep learning
What do we say?
Pick the right words!
Open →
Sneezing Dua Card for Kids
4 sneezing du'a cards on one sheet: the Arabic on its own line, then the transliteration and the meaning, with the reply on the same card.
Open →Yawning and sneezing manners
Cover the yawn; sneeze, then Alhamdulillah.
Open →Du'a for Every Moment
Tap a moment to hear its du'a, track what your child knows, pick a du'a of the week and print personalised cards.
Open →Salaam Song — Say Assalamu Alaikum!
Open →Bismillah — meaning for kids
I'm starting with Allah's name.
Open →