Useful Arabic phrases

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

It's often a challenge for converts to find their way in the jungle of various phrases and sayings present among Muslim fellows.

From formal greetings and sayings to phrases used only for special events and finally wishes that "require" specific answers - there is a lot to learn.

I tried to collect the common phrases that I have come across so far - mostly heard from Moroccan and Egyptian Muslims. These phrases will help to understand and respond to what other Muslims are saying, insha Allah.
Remember, Allah will reward you for having performed a good deed everytime you use a phrase appropiately. Try your best to make them inherent parts of your daily routines.

Bismillah.                             "In the name of Allah."
Say this just before beginning any activity: praying, eating, drinking, cooking, putting on your shoes, bathing, etc.

 

As-sallamu alaikum!           "Peace be upon you."
Say this to greet another Muslim and also when you are parting.

The expected answer is Wa alaikum-sallam.  "And to you be peace."  or the elongated version Wa alaikum-sallam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.  "And to you be peace and Allah's mercy and blessings."

 

Al-hamdulillah.                      "Praise Allah."
Say this whenever something good happens to you but also when you just think, speak, or hear of something good. This short phrase reminds us that everything good comes from Allah only. If something annoys you, say Al-hamdulillah 'ala kool ahal.  "Praise Allah in all circumstances."

Allahu Akbar.                         "Allah is Greater" often also: "Allah is the Greatest!"
Say this to express excitement about interesting news or to approve of important statements.

Aoodhoo billahi meen ash-shaytan ir-rajeem.  "I seek Allah's protection from Satan the accursed."
Say this when you are getting angry and want to pull yourself together. It also helps when you are tempted to do something wrong. 

 

Astaghfir Allah.                       "Allah, forgive me."
Say this whenever you become aware of a sin you are just committing or about to commit. Also, use this phrase of begging forgiveness when you remember a sin.

(In Morocco this phrase is also used by someone who just burped.)

 

Barak-Allahu fik(i)                   "Allah's blessings for you"

Say this when you want to thank someone. 

 

 

Hasbunallah wa ni'am al-wakil  "Allah is enough for us and an excellent guardian"

Usually known as 'Hasbi Allah'

Say this when you face a problem for which you feel you have no solution.


Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.  "Truly we belong to Allah and truly to Him shall we return."
This phrase is from Surat-al-Baquara (The Holy Qur'an, Sura 2, 155-157).

Say this when your hear that someone has died. It also helps to keep you on track when you are facing difficult or unpleasant circumstances.

Insha'Allah.                                     "If Allah is willing."

This phrase and its terms of usage are mentioned in Surat-al-Kahf (The Holy Qur'an, Sura 18, 23-24).

Say this whenever you talk about future happenings or any plans you have. Its purpose is to remind you that, even if you fully intend to do or say something, Allah may have other plans. 

 

Jazak Allah Khair.                           "May Allah reward you."

Say this when you want to express serious gratitude towards someone. There is no better way of saying "Thank you." 

 

La hawla wa la quwata illa Billah.  "There is no power or glory except for Allah's."

Say this when you hear bad news or feel disappointed with something. 

 

Ma sha Allah                                     "This is according to Allah's will."

Say this when you notice something very beautiful, attractive, admirable or desirable. Thus, hopefully, you will be protected against the evil effects of envy.

 

Mubarak                                            "May Allah bless you."

Say this when there is reason to congratulate a person for any good news or happy occasion.

The phrase is used a lot during holidays: Eid Mubarak (saeed). Ramadan mubarak.  

 

Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam              "Allah, bless him and grant him peace."

Say this formuly whenever you mention our Prophet Muhammad (saws).

In writing, this is often abbreviated to <saws> or its english pendant <pbuh>

 

Subhan Allah                                     "Glory to Allah"

Say this whenever you are amazed or surprised by Allah's creation.

The phrase is also used when a human mistake is noticed, especially during prayer.

 

Yarhamak Allah                                 "May Allah have mercy on you"

This phrase is called Tashmit. Say this whenever you hear someone sneeze. The person who sneezes should say 'Al-hamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) and then, as a reply to Yarhamak Allah, may say: 'Yahdikumul-lah wa Yuslih balakum' (May Allah give you guidance and improve your condition.)

 

B'saha                                                 "To your health"

I come across this a lot when I am in Morocco. It is said, when you meet someone who has just taken a bath or wears some new clothes or has just been painted with Henna.

The reply is:'Allah tik saha' (May Allah give you health.)