Posted by Ahmed Abdulla | Islam Teachings
In this article we will list common Islamic phrases for everyday use. Knowing the lingo Muslims use in their day to day language can help you avoid those awkward moments you feel when you think you should know what something means but don’t. You feel embarassed to even ask.
This is no fault of your own, we’ve all been there. Sometimes the memo just wasn’t received. That’s why we are here.
We created this exhaustive list that aims to be your glossary of the most commonly used phrases by Muslim’s in everyday conversation.
*NEW* We’ve Created An Updated Islamic Dictionary
List Of Popular Islamic Sayings
Alhamdulillah Praise to Allah
Used to express satisfaction. Commonly used after having finished eating. Also, used frequently as response to when some asks how your day was, “Alhamdulillah, it was good”
Jazaka Allahu Khairan
May Allah reward you with all good
Sign of appreciation. When someone does something good to you (gives you something, helps you with something…)
Ashokrulillah
Means Thanks to Allah
Usage is same as Alhamdulillah
Subhanallah(read more detailed explanation)
Glory to Allah.Said whenever something good happens. Allah’s greatness is said and realized everytime something good happens to us. Example, A man overlooking the Grand-Canyon exclaims, Subhanllah!”
Mashallah
Closely translated to mean “as God has willed” or “what Allah wanted has happened.”
Supposed to be a reminder that all good things come from God and are blessings from Him. It is a good omen. Example, You’ve become a father. Mashallah! You passed aced your exams. Mashallah!
Allahu Akbar
a phrase meaning ‘God is most great’, used by Muslims in prayers and as a general declaration of faith or thanksgiving. Used by Muslims to remind themselves of God’s vastness and power. Unfortunately, some Muslim extremists employ this phrase before performing acts of terror, leading many to associate “Allahu Akbar” with violence and destruction
Da’wah
Da’wah is an Arabic word which has the literal meaning of “issuing a summons,” or “making an invitation.” This term is often used to describe how Muslims teach others about the beliefs and practices of their Islamic faith.
Jumu’ah
Also known as Friday Prayer or Congregational Prayer, is a prayer that Muslims hold every Friday. Takes place just after noon and substitue for Zuhr prayer.
La hawla wala quwwata illa billah
Saying is that man is weak by nature. He has no ability to move from a condition to another except with the help of Allah. Used in unfavorable situations beyond ones control, also to express dissatisfaction.
Inshallah
If Allah wills. Usually used to refer to planning to do a future action, I will do this … if Allah wills it.Do not say of anything, ‘I shall do such and such tomorrow,’ without adding, ‘Insha’Allah.’ And call your Lord to mind when you forget… (18:23-24). Example, Inshallah tomorrow I will get the oil change done.
Amen
Is a declaration of affirmation. found in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. It is found in Jewish, Christian and Muslim worship as a concluding word or response to prayers. Example, May Allah guide us on the right path, Amen!
Subhanallah
Glory to Allah.
Used in many places, for example if you heard something amazing and you want to express your amazement.
Imaan
in Islamic theology denotes a believer’s faith in the metaphysical aspects of Islam. Its most simple definition is the belief in the six axioms of faith.
Deen
Refers to belief and practice of Islam; way of life. Example. that brother’s or sister’s deen is strong.
Jannah
Jannah symbolically referring to paradise. However “Firdaus” also designates the highest layer of heaven.
Jahannam
In Islam refers to an afterlife place of punishment for evildoers. In Quran, Jahannam is also referred as an-Nar (“The Fire”), Jaheem (“Blazing Fire”), Hutamah (“That which Breaks to Pieces”, Haawiyah (“The Abyss”), Ladthaa , Sa’eer (“The Blaze),
Hadith
A collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad which, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunnah), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Quran. For example, see hadith on what Prophet Muhammad said about learing the 99 Names of Allah.
Sahih –Grade of Hadith as being authenthic.
Hasan –Grade of Hadith as being Good.
Da’if –Grade of Hadith as being Weak.
Fatwa
A fatwa is an Islamic religious ruling, a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law. Afatwa is not necessarily “binding” on the believers. The people who pronounce these rulings are supposed to be knowledgeable, and base their rulings in knowledge and wisdom.As Muslims, we look at the opinion, the reputation of the person giving it, the evidence given to support it, and then decide whether to follow it.
Fi-Sabi-Lillah
Expression meaning “in the cause ofAllah” or more befittingly, “for the sake of Allah”. Doing anything for the sake of God and in the way of God to gain nearness to Him and gain His pleasure.”
Umrah
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holy city for Muslims. It can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Ḥajj which occurs on a specific date determined by Islamic Calendar.
Hajj
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The holy city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. That is if they are financial capable of doing so.
Yarhamuka Allah
May Allah have mercy on you. When you sneeze, it is said after someone sneezes.
Astaghfiru lillah
I seek forgiveness from Allah. Commonly used when you think you have sinned. It is a powerful from of Istighfar (asking for forgivness). Read hadith of Prophet Muhammad regarding Astaghfiru illah and asking forgivness.
Halal
meaning permissible in Islam.It is frequently applied to permissible food and drinks. Into a more complex classification known as “the five decisions”: mandatory, recommended, neutral, reprehensible, and forbidden.
Haram
Is an Arabic term meaning forbidden. This may refer to: either something sacred to which access is forbidden to the people who are not in a state of purity; or to an evil thus “sinful action that is forbidden to be done
Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala (SWT)
It is an honorififc followed after using one of Allah’s names. For exampple saying, “Allah (SWT)”. It means to “May He be praised and exalted.”
Salla llahu ʿalayhi wa-sallam (SAWS)
Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation “SAWS.” Example, Muslims believe that Muhammad (SAWS) was the last Prophet and Messenger of God.
Radeyallahu ′Anhu
Used after companions. Of the Islamic Prophet Muḥammad Radeyallāhu ′Anhu. Translation: “May Allāh be pleased with him.”
Baraka Allahu fik (Barak Allahu Feekum)
The blessings of Allah (be upon you) (Arabic: barak ‘Allah) is a phrase used by Muslims to express thanks, typically to another person. It is one of many phrases used by Muslims to express thanks. Used commonly in reply to a person that says jazakallah.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Common phrase greeting a fellow Muslim. The meaning is, “Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.”
Fi Amanillah
“(be) with the safety of Allah” or “May Allah Protect You”. The general idea is a person recites it wishing for the safety of God (Allah) upon them.
Congratulations, you now have a better chance of surviving daily conversations by having knowledge and understanding these Islamic phrases.
Please comment below any other words you’d like to see added to the list and we will expand this collection.
If you are visiting this website for the first time, weclome!
I’d recommend checking out this our other popular post,Dua For Lost Items. It’s not just to help you find items when they go missing but we also breakdown how to begin the process of detaching yourself from material things, a very important skill we should all learn to cultivate.
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12 Comments
Samad Al nur on July 16, 2019 at 9:50 am
Fitna is confusion, division etc.
you gave definition for Fatwa- a legal ruling. Umrah- is the lesser pilgrimage.Reply
Ahmed on July 17, 2019 at 12:41 am
Thank you brother for catching that. We have now fixed this.
Reply
Tygr on June 3, 2020 at 8:03 pm
Thank you so much for posting this. As a recent convert, I have been trying to learn new words and phrases to assist me in my journey. It would be nice to one day put these in a .pdf/word .doc for printing.
Blessings!
Reply
Ahmed on June 5, 2020 at 1:01 pm
No problem, glad it helped. You can also find a more extensive updated list we created here:
(Video) WE BEG ALL MUSLIMS TO WATCH THIS!https://myislam.org/glossary-islamic-terms-and-phrases/
Reply
Loso Bowman on September 10, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Ameen thank you this site has helped me during this time we going through in the world , Allahu Akbar
Reply
Lawrence on November 12, 2020 at 11:19 am
Subhanallah
This was very informative for me Added features should be considered like pronouncation or audio for the phrasesReply
Rasheed on January 16, 2021 at 5:38 am
Thanks
Reply
Daoud on November 19, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Jazāk Allāhu Khayran is often used by Muslims instead, in the belief that Allah’s reward is superior. The common response to Jazāk Allāhu Khayran is wa ʾiyyāk (وَإِيَّاكَ), or wa ʾiyyākum (وَإِيَّاكُمْ) for plural, which means “and to you”.
Reply
Daoud on November 19, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Also, alhamdullilah is stated by a person who just sneezed and the response is yahamakallah
Reply
TERRI A CASTLEBERRY on February 9, 2022 at 10:26 pm
amen!
Reply
Tomas Angkot on May 18, 2022 at 4:08 pm
thanks, this words i learned here will guide me to my journey to become converted Islam.
Reply
Masoom Raza on December 23, 2022 at 9:45 am
Zazakallah khayran
Reply
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List of 33 Islamic Phrases For Everyday Use (2022) - My Islam? ›
According to Al-Ghazali the dwellers of Heaven will exist eternally in a state of being age 33. Islamic prayer beads are generally arranged in sets of 33, corresponding to the widespread use of this number in dhikr rituals.
What are common Islamic phrases? ›- Expression 1 : Inshallah.
- Expression 2: Alhamdulillah.
- Expression 3: Bismillah.
- Expressions 4 : Mashallah.
- Expressions 5: Subhanallah.
According to Al-Ghazali the dwellers of Heaven will exist eternally in a state of being age 33. Islamic prayer beads are generally arranged in sets of 33, corresponding to the widespread use of this number in dhikr rituals.
What are the 7 hells in Islam? ›- Jahannam was reserved for Muslims who had committed grave sins.
- al-Laza (the blaze) for the Jews.
- al-Hutama (the consuming fire) for the Christians.
- al-Sa'ir for the Sabians.
- al-Saqar (the scorching fire) for the Zoroastrians.
- al-jahim (the hot place) for the idolaters.
- al-Hawiya (the abyss) for the hypocrites.
- Allah.
- caliphate.
- fatwa.
- hadj.
- hajj.
- halal.
- headscarf.
- Hegira.
According to Islamic belief, Allah is the most common word to represent God, and humble submission to his will, divine ordinances and commandments is the pivot of the Muslim faith.
What is the most powerful verse in Islam? ›Ayat al-Kursi is regarded as the greatest verse of Quran according to the hadith. The verse is regarded as one of the most powerful in the Quran because when it is recited, the greatness of God is believed to be confirmed.
What is verse 33 in Quran? ›And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.
What is the lucky number in Islam? ›786 is considered a lucky or holy number. Especially, the significance of this number in Islam is above everything. The number is believed as a numeric form of the Arabic phrase “Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim”, meaning, 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful'.
What is number 8 in Islam? ›Islam. In Islam, eight is the number of angels carrying the throne of Allah in heaven.
What is the unforgivable sin in Islam? ›
Mušrikūn مشركون (pl. of mušrik مشرك) are those who practice shirk, which literally means "association" and refers to accepting other gods and divinities alongside God (as God's "associates"). The Qur'an considers shirk as a sin that will not be forgiven if a person dies without repenting of it.
Who gets 72 virgins in heaven? ›In life, the most perfect aim is for istishadi through jihad, and the martyr will receive bountiful gifts in paradise. Men will receive 72 virgins in the hadith corpus.
What are the 5 core of Islam? ›The five pillars – the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), alms-giving (zakat), fasting (sawm) and pilgrimage (hajj) – constitute the basic norms of Islamic practice. They are accepted by Muslims globally irrespective of ethnic, regional or sectarian differences.
What is the most holy word in Islam? ›The Quran is believed by Muslims to be not simply divinely inspired, but the literal word of God.
Who is the Lion of Allah? ›Asadullāh (Arabic: أَسَدُ ٱلله), also written Asadollah, Assadullah or Asad Ullah, is a male Muslim given name meaning Lion of Allah. The name was initially used to refer to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's closest kinsmen Hamza and Ali. Initially, the title was first given to Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Muhammad's uncle.
What is the biggest word in Quran? ›The Verse of Loan (Arabic: آية ٱلدين, 'āyatu d-dayn) is verse 282 in chapter Al-Baqara (Q2:282). This verse is the longest verse in the longest chapter in Quran. The concept of borrowing was explained in the verse.
How do Muslims say God is great? ›Allahu Akbar is an Arabic phrase which translates directly as “Allah is Greater” but is often mistranslated in the media as “God is great”. It is recited by Muslims and Arabic speaking Orthodox Christians as an expression of their faith.
Which surah is most loved by Allah? ›Al-Aʻlā (Arabic: الأعلى, lit. 'The Most High, Glory To Your Lord In The Highest') is the eighty-seventh chapter (surah) of the Qur'an, with 19 ayat or verses.
Which surah gives you power? ›Al-Mulk. 'The Kingship', or 'The Sovereignty', is the 67th chapter of the Noble Quran and contains 30 ayat. It is reported in various hadith that the recitation of this surah before bed will protect the believer in this life as well as the Hereafter.
What is 8 33 in the Quran? ›If this indeed be the truth from You, then rain down stones upon us from heaven, or bring upon us a painful chastisement.' (8:33) But Allah was not to chastise them while you are in their midst; nor was Allah going to chastise them while they sought His forgiveness.
What is 33 49 in the Quran? ›
(33:49) Believers, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them,85 you may not require them to observe a waiting period that you might reckon against them. So make provision for them and release them in an honourable manner.
What is quranic verse 17 33? ›(17:33) (ix) Do not kill any person whom Allah has forbidden to kill,33 except with right. We have granted the heir of him who has been wrongfully killed the authority to35 (claim retribution);so let him not exceed in slaying. He shall be helped.
What is the lucky color for Muslims? ›Western cultures typically associate the color green with luck, money, nature and environmentalism. For Muslims, green is a very important color because it is associated with the prophet Muhammed (it's believed to be the prophet's favorite color), and is a symbol of life and paradise.
Why green is the color of Islam? ›Why is green so prevalent in the Muslim world? Because it was supposedly Mohammed's favorite color. The Islamic prophet is said to have worn a green cloak and turban, and his writings are full of references to the color.
What number represents Allah? ›786 In Islam
It translates as “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent“. 786 is basically driven from the series of Arabic Numerology called “Abjad“. The number 786 is most popular in the Indian subcontinent where people consider it as Holy or Lucky irrespective of their religion.
Seven circumambulations of Muslim pilgrims around the Kaaba in Mecca during the Hajj and the Umrah. Seven walks between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah performed Muslim pilgrims during the Hajj and the Umrah. Seven doors to hell (for heaven the number of doors is eight)
What is number 13 in Islam? ›Islam. In Shia, 13 signifies the 13th day of the month of Rajab (the Lunar calendar), which is the birth of Imam Ali. 13 also is a total of 1 Prophet and 12 Shia Imams in the Islamic School of Thought.
What does 57 4 mean in Islam? ›57:4. It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein; and He is with you wherever you are. And Allah , of what you do, is Seeing.
Is there a sin that Cannot be forgiven? ›One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.
How to erase major sins in Islam? ›- Remorse: Feeling guilty is a sign of faith in your heart. ...
- Repent sincerely by verbalizing 'astaghfirullah,' which means, “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”
- Resolve to never commit the sin again.
Why is shirk unforgivable? ›
Ibn al-Qayyim argued: And for this reason, shirk is the most despised thing to Him (Allah) because it diminishes one's love (for Allah) and transfers it to whoever he associated with Him (Allah)... And no doubt this is the greatest crime a lover can commit toward his beloved.
How many virgins does God give you? ›Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
What is the holy war in Islam? ›The term jihad, often translated as “holy war”, actually means struggle or exertion. The Prophet Muhammad referred to battle as a “minor jihad” in comparison to the struggle against the evil of one's soul - self-exertion in personal compliance with the dictates of Islam - which he describes as the “superior jihad”.
What does jihad mean in Islam? ›In its most general meaning, jihad refers to the obligation incumbent on all Muslims, individuals and the community, to follow and realize God's will: to lead a virtuous life and to extend the Islamic community through preaching, education, example, writing, etc.
What is the symbol for Islam called? ›Islam. Crescent and Star: The faith of Islam is symbolized by the Crescent and Star. The Crescent is the early phase of the moon and represents progress. The star signifies illumination with the light of knowledge.
What are the 6 roots of Islam? ›- - Belief in Allah.
- - Belief in His angels.
- - Belief in His holy books.
- - Belief in His messengers.
- - Belief in the Last Day.
- - Belief in life after death.
- - Tawhid (the oneness of God)
- - Risalah (the messengers of Allah)
What does ritual prayer mean in Islam? By performing this ritual prayer five times a day, Muslims remember their Lord, express their love and respect for Him and invoke and strive to express their gratitude towards Him.
How do Muslims say thank you? ›Shukran (شكراً)
Shukran 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 comes from the root verb shakara (شكر) meaning “to thank”.
The phrase تصبح على خير tiSbaH 'ala khair is the closest equivalent to the way people use the phrase “good night” in English.
What means mashallah? ›The literal meaning of Mashallah is "God has willed it", in the sense of "what God has willed has happened"; it is used to say something good has happened, used in the past tense. Inshallah, literally "if God has willed", is used similarly but to refer to a future event.
How do Muslims say good morning? ›
In the morning, you can say “Sabah al-khayr” meaning, “good morning”. Unlike in English greetings, there are several replies to this greeting in Arabic, depending on the mood and creativity of the speaker. The most common reply is “Sabah an-noor” meaning, “morning or light”.
How do Muslims greet non Muslims? ›The correct form of the Islamic greeting is as-Salam alaik, when offered in the singular, and adding the plural makes it alaikum, when offered to more than one person. The Prophet points out that the Jews used to omit the letter 'l', so as to make the first word sound as Saam, which is an Arabic word that means death.
How do Muslims greet each other? ›The greeting for Muslims is in Arabic - As-salamu alaikum which means Peace be upon you. Most Muslim women will not shake hands or hug men.
What is the word for Jesus in Islam? ›Isa is the Messiah in Islam and is the called Īsā al-Masīḥ by Muslims. It is one of several titles of Isa, who is referred to as Masih or Al-Masih 11 times in the Quran.
What do Muslims always say to each other? ›Traditional greeting between Muslims is Assalamu alaikum (peace be upon you) to which the response is wa alaikum salaam(and unto you peace).
What is the common greeting in Islam? ›Greetings and handshakes
The greeting for Muslims is in Arabic - As-salamu alaikum which means Peace be upon you.
- 3:31–32 "If you should love Allah, then follow me [i.e. Muhammad], ... ...
- 4:59 "O ye who believe! ...
- 4:69 "And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the prophets ..."
- 24:54 "Say: Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, ...
Showing public affection is generally considered rude and disrespectful across the Middle East. Although some cultures within the Middle East might be more tolerant than others, it's generally not a good idea to kiss, hug or openly display intimacy.
How do Muslims say goodbye each other? ›مع السلامة Ma'a salama
It's the most common way of saying goodbye in Arabic. The phrase ma'a salama is recognized in most Arab-speaking countries. It is also very versatile and you can use it in most situations, formal and informal.
Also, the full greeting (As-salamu alaykum) is preferred versus the shorter greeting of "salam" or "salamu alaykum". Goodbye is supplanted by a "Khuda Hafiz" or the variation "Allah Hafiz", both of which mean "May God protect you".
How do you respond to a Salaam Alaikum? ›
The polite response to the phrase is wa alaikum assalam, which means “and upon you be peace.” A related phrase is alayhi assalam (masculine) or alayha assalam (feminine).
What is the Islam quote? ›One such beautiful quote mentioned in the book says, “Oh Allah, I seek refuge in you from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and being overpowered by men.”
What are 2 quotes said by Prophet Muhammad? ›The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in one God and the hereafter, should speak what is good or remain silent.” The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: “Truly God instructs me to be humble and lowly and not proud, and no one should oppress others.”
What is Prophet Muhammad famous quotes? ›- The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. ...
- The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. ...
- The best of houses is the house where an orphan gets love and kindness. ...
- A good man treats women with honour.