Is it permissible to write a paragraph of thanks to Allah in a language other than Arabic in a scientific dissertation, and is it possible to mention Allah in the dedication paragraph to avoid compromising sincerity?
Thanking and praising Allah is a legal requirement, for He loves praise. Gratitude is expressed by the heart through submission, by the tongue through praise, and by the limbs through obedience. Allah commanded gratitude and promised those who are grateful reward and increased bounty, and He named Himself Ash-Shakur (The Most Appreciative). There is no harm in writing thanks in a language other than Arabic if the thesis is in a foreign language. As for dedicating the work to Allah, Allah is self-sufficient and has no need of it. However, if the work is beneficial and you intend by it to benefit people and seek reward from Allah, there is no harm in mentioning that you did it for the sake of Allah, provided that you do not intend to praise creation or benefit them, otherwise it would be from the blameworthy desire for reputation. It is also legislated to thank people who have provided help, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "He who does not thank people does not thank Allah."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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