Arabic words and phrases | Islamic terms

The literal meaning of Mashallah is "what God has willed", in the sense of "what God has willed has happened".

Mashallah, also written Masha'Allah, is often said to show appreciation for something happening for a person. It's a way to show respect, and serves as a reminder that everything is achieved by the will of Allah SWT.

The meaning of the Arabic phrase Allahumma Barik is “May Allah Bless You”. 

Say Allahumma Barik whenever you praise or compliment someone and whenever you want to wish the person well or send blessings.

Allahu Akbar, written as الله أكبر in Arabic, is a phrase meaning ‘God is most great’, used by Muslims in prayers and as a general declaration of faith or thanksgiving.

It is the first word that is whispered in the ears of a newborn Muslim, and it is the last word that is spoken when they lower a Muslim in their grave.

Allahu Akbar is said to seek strength, courage and hope; it expels fear and anxiety from your heart. It is the instrument of the Muslim through which he seeks difficulties to be lightened and made easy.

Adherents of the Islamic faith use Allahu Akbar to show their gratitude to Allah SWT. It is a powerful phrase that allows one to understand that Allah SWT is greater than any concern that they might have and that He will provide a solution for it.

Inshallah, or In shāʾ Allāh, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ meaning "if Allah wills it".

Insha'Allah is used by Muslims whenever they express their hopes for the future. Hence, inshallah is an affirmation of one’s faith in divine providence, it expresses a trust in Allah’s will after performing human actions.

We do what we can, as humans, and leave the rest to Allah SWT..

In essence, it shifts one’s mindset from one of scarcity and anxiety to one of abundance and hopeful expectation.

If you want something to happen, you should say inshaAllah before you say anything else about it.

"Subhan Allah" meaning Allah SWT is perfect in an absolute sense.

Contextually, it's often said at times of amazement and in moments of joyous delights.

To say “subhanAllah” from the heart, you acknowledge that He is perfect, above anything in the creation, and that everything that comes from Him is perfect i.e. Allah is the one and only, the most glorious, and is a declaration that he is above any fault, or shortcoming.

Bismillah (بسم الله) is a phrase in Arabic meaning "in the name of Allah". It is also the first word in the Qur'an.

The Bismillah is used extensively in everyday Muslim life, said as the opening of each action in order to receive blessing from God.

Generally, we recite Bismillah before any action. By doing so, we ask for Allah's blessings and remind ourselves that everything we do is by the will of Allah. When we say 'Bismillah' then Allah SWT takes all harm away from the food. Always say 'Bismillah' before you eat and be thankfull towards your Creator.

Astaghfirullah, also spelt Istigfar, literally translates to "I seek forgiveness in Allah". It is a short prayer of redemption, an expression of guilt or shame.

Astaghfirullah is the gateway of relief and happiness. Whenever you are in distress, start reciting it repeatedly, Insha Allah it will take you out of your anxiety and will put you in a peaceful situation and will give you happiness. Istighfar removes anxiety and prayers are answered.

Ameen, also spelt Āmīn (آمين) is the Arabic form of Amen. In Islam, it is used with the same meaning as in Judaism and Christianity; when concluding a prayer or after a supplication.

English translations of the word Ameen include “verily”, “truly”, “it is true”, and “let it be so”. It is also used colloquially, to express strong agreement.

Saying Ameen is a way for believers to offer their words of acknowledgment and agreement up to the Almighty, with humility and hope that Allah SWT hears and answers their prayers.

The term “La ilaha illallah” means “there is no God but Allah”. Every Muslim believes in this and testifies to it.

It protects you from the flames of hell as stated by the Prophet PBUH.

The conditions of La ilaha illa-Allah are: knowledge, certainty, submission, following, truthfulness, sincerity and love.

Shukran comes from the root verb shakara (شكر) meaning “to thank”.

it is used in all Arabic-speaking countries, in both formal and informal settings, and is understood widely among speakers of all dialects of Arabic.

It is used to show appreciation towards a person who has done a favorable act.

This is a powerful Arabic word which translates to mean “All praise is due to Allah”. As a Muslim, reciting this word is an integral part of our deen. Both the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw) teach us to say this word daily.

More generally, whenever you find yourself benefiting from an accomplishment or achievement remember to say Alhamdulillah.

Saying Alhamdulillah is more than just a word, it’s a philosophy. It shows your character and ability to be humble and show humility. All very respectable qualities.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh (in Arabic: ‏اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ‎) is an Islamic phrase used for greetings.

English translation: “May Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be Upon You Also”.

The response to someone’s greeting is with the word “Wa’alaikum salam warahmatullah” or it can also be added “wabarakatuh”. The meaning of the greeting is “and upon you the salvation and mercy of Allah and His blessings”.

In essence, Muslims are encouraged to pray for one another so that good Islamic brotherhood and unity can be established.

The meaning is “I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Shaitan”. It reminds to seek protection from all evil influences and attentions of Satan when we read Quran and then recite salat.

Auzubillahi means “I seek refuge in Allah”

Minashaitan means “from the shaitaan”

Nirajeem means “the accursed”

So, when you say this phrase, it means that you are asking Allah to guard and protect the person who said it.