Kheir

Kheir is a transliteration of the Arabic word خَيْر, commonly rendered as khair, khayr, or kheir. It primarily means “goodness,” “benefit,” or “the good.” In Islamic and Arab-speaking contexts, khayr denotes moral virtue and welfare and is used in everyday speech as well as religious and literary language. The term also appears as a component of personal names and phrases.

Etymology and variants: The root خ-ي-ر (kh-y-r) underpins related forms such as khayr (noun) and khayrī (adjective), and it appears in many proper names. Transliteration varies by language, with spellings like kheir, khair, and khayr common in different communities. In Turkish, a related word hayır means “no,” illustrating how similar roots diverge in meaning across languages.

In names: Kheir and its variants are used as given names, middle names, or surnames in Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim communities worldwide. Compound names such as Abdul-Khair (servant of the Good) or Khairuddin (Khair-ud-Din) reflect the attribute of goodness as part of personal identity.

Cultural and religious significance: In Islam, khayr is associated with moral virtue and charitable acts. The concept appears in Qur’anic verses and hadith as a guiding ideal for conduct, generosity, and social welfare, and it features in poetry and literature across the Arab world.

See also: Khair; Khayr; Hayr; Kayr. Not to be confused with kheer, a South Asian dessert.