The time-tested phrase for good bye in Pakistan has been Khuda Hafiz. However, the state controlled media has been using Allah Hafiz since Zia’s time, and as a result more and more people are using the phrase. I prefer the traditional K/H. A/H is too political-state sponsored and imposed. Some people argue that since Khuda is not a koranic word, use of Allah is more appropriate here. This is a weak argument at best. Most urdu courtesies have no koranic words, so should we give them up (shukria, shab bakhair, etc). We (my family and close friends) respond by K/H whenever someone says A/H. Call it keeping the tradition, or messing with the so called “politically corect”. Where are other desis on this?
Good Point. Also, Allah Hafiz is technically wrong to use. Khudah Hafiz is a persian phrase. Allah is an arabic word and hafiz is persian. Its not correct to use an arabic and a persian word in the same phrase. Lieteral meaning of Khuda Hafiz in arabic is "fee amaan illah". Also in punjab, they say "rub rakkha" which also means khuda hafiz.
Unfortunately, our people do things based on emotions and not logic. What was the logic behind the arabic news bulletin in Zia's regime. That was the most stupid thing, one could do.
Tariq and JAwan: Thank you for this explanation. One question came to my mind. In writing we use Allah NeghebaN. Is this ok or Khuda NeghebaN?
Khuda Hafiz
I think that we shouldn't be using A/H or K/H and try to use Assalam o alaikum which is the real Islamic way, when you meet someone or when you are leaving you should say Assalam o alaikum!!!
Asslaam-o-Alaikum
Another useless topic, sorry if anyone get offended by this remark. It really doens't matter what we use the important thing is our 'niyat' Allah, Khuda, God means the same thing 'One true God'. Also 'Hafiz' is not 'farsi' its arabic derived word which is also used in 'farsi' language. Haven't you heard
this word 'hafiz' in quran'? Surha 86 'At-Tariq' Ayat 4 has this word in it at the end. "There is no human being but has a PROTECTOR over him".
So Allah Hafiz is as Equal as Khuda Hafiz because both mean the same thing. I persoanlly use 'Assalaam-o-Alaikum' at the end which some people find it unusual. I think its a better practice. Khuda Hafiz, Allah Hafiz and fee amaan Allah makes sense when you are going to a journey, its more like a prayer.
The letter that prophet send to 'najashi' he used 'salam' at the begining and at the end to those people who accepted the righteous path.
Asslaam-a-Alaikum :)