From `Abdul `Aziz Bin `Abdullah Ibn Baz to the honorable brother shaykh M.T., the principal of AlTahdhib school, in the Ivory Coast.
May Allah increase your knowledge and Iman (faith/belief). Amen. Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)
I received your honorable letter, dated 4/8/1394, (may Allah guide you) with your questions. Here are the questions and their answers:
Q 1: Is it permissible to say "Thanks "or "Blessed" and the like to a benefactor?
And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.
Whoever does not thank people will not thank Allah
Reward whoever does a favor for you. But, if you are unable to reward them, keep supplicating for them until you see that you have (adequately) rewarded them
2: It is customary after praising Allah when we finish eating to say to our fathers, mothers, and the elderly 'bless' or 'thank you' etc.
A: The answer to this question is evident in the answer of the preceding question. There is nothing wrong with thanking and praying for those who do us favors. Rather, it is recommended, according to the previously mentioned evidence.
O Allah! Bless their livelihood, forgive them, and have mercy upon them.
May Allah keep you sound and safe, Assalamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)