Alhamdulillah When Sneezing

Saying "Alhamdulillah" when you sneeze is a short remembrance the Prophet taught.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) sneezed, he would hold his hand or garment to his face (his forehead) and lower his voice. He taught that the one who sneezes should say "Alhamdulillah", the one who hears it should reply "Yarhamukallah", and the one who sneezed should then answer "Yahdikumullah wa yuslihu balakum". This short cycle of remembrance turns everyday moments into worship.

What is the hadith source of this sunnah?

This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.

• B6224 Buhârî, Edeb, 126
• HM9660 İbn Hanbel, II, 440

More sunnahs in Everyday Courtesy

As a table with references: Everyday Courtesy sunnahs.

• A Smile Is Charity: Smiling at your brother's face is charity. The Prophet's own laughter was a smile.
• Respect for Elders, Love for the Young: Showing mercy to the young and honoring the rights of elders was the Prophet's counsel.
• Removing an Obstacle from the Road: Removing something harmful from the road is charity.
• Answering an Invitation: Going where you are invited is a sunnah that gladdens the one who invited you.
• Turning with the Whole Body: When turning to someone, turning your whole body and not just your head shows them your full attention.
• Asking Permission Before Entering: Giving the greeting and asking permission before entering a door is a fine lesson in the etiquette of the sunnah.
• Suppressing a Yawn: When a yawn comes during prayer, holding it back as much as one can was the Prophet's counsel.
• Being Self-Sufficient: Meeting your own needs without asking anything of others is safeguarding your dignity.
• Bismillah in Daily Tasks: Remembering Allah's name while closing a door and in daily tasks is beginning one's work with Bismillah.
• Walking with Purpose: Walking with quick, decided steps and a slight forward lean was the Prophet's way of walking.
• Running and Sport: On a journey, the Prophet raced on foot with his wife Aisha.
• Not Judging by Appearance: Allah looks not at forms and wealth but at hearts and deeds. Judge no one by appearance.