Saying Khudā Hāfiz when bidding someone farewell

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykumwa-rahmatullāhiwa-barakātuh.

When Nabī Ṣallāhu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam would bid farewell to sahābah, he would mention these words: 

أسْتَوْدِعُ اللهَ دِينَكَ وَأَمَانَتَكَ وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ 

“I place your religion, your faithfulness, and the ends of your deeds in the trust of Allah” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 2600)

Therefore, the sunnah is to use these specific words. However, it is permissible for one to use the words Khudā Hāfiz, but he will not get the reward of making ‘amal on the sunnah. 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Ikraam Elias Gangat

Student - Darul Iftaa

Zambia 

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.