Common Islamic Expressions and Phrases
You’ve probably heard expressions like “inshallah,” “mashallah,” or “alhamdulillah” from other Muslims or might have seen comments on social media. Let me give you an overview of the most prevalent Arabic terms used in Islam, their meanings and usage.
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Insha Allah | If God wills | Used when referring to future plans for which one asks God’s blessing |
| Masha Allah | God has willed | Also used to express appreciation for good news, or to acknowledge something as God’s doing |
| Subhana Allah | Glory be to God | Used to express amazement and delight |
| Alhamdulillah | Praise/Thanks be to God | Used to expressed satisfaction and gratitude |
| Allahu Akbar | God is great | Often used to express delight |
| Bismillah | In the name of God | Said at the beginning of any action: eating, drinking, starting a task, etc |
| Allahumma Barik | May Allah Bless You | Often said to another Muslim as a token of appreciation |
| Fi Amanillah | “(be) with the safety of Allah” or “May Allah Protect You” | It would be appropriate to say this phrase just as English speakers would say goodbye. |
| Eid Mubarak | Happy Eid | An expression wishing the blessings of a particular holiday or observance |
| Ramadan Kareem | Blessed Ramadan | Used at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan |
| Ya Allah! | Oh God | This is shorthand expression used when asking God for something, expressing sincerity, sadness, surprise, etc |
| Da’wah | Meaning of “issuing a summons,” or “making an invitation.” | Often used to describe how Muslims teach others about the beliefs and practices of their Islamic faith |
| Halal | permissible in Islam. | It is frequently applied to permissible food and drinks |
| Haram | Meaning forbidden | Sinful action that is forbidden to be done |
| Jazakallahu Khair | May Allah reward you [with] goodness | Term used as an expression of gratitude |
| Jannah | Symbolically referring to paradise | |
| Jahannam | An afterlife place of punishment for evildoers | |
| Imaan | Denotes a believer’s faith in the metaphysical aspects of Islam | |
| Deen | Refers to belief and practice of Islam; way of life | |
| Fatwa | A fatwa is an Islamic religious ruling, a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law |