Islamic phrases and their meanings
Islamic phrases such as Bismillah, In sha’ Allah, Masha’ Allah, SubhanAllah and Alhamdulillah are part of a Muslim’s everyday speech. Here are the most common ones in Arabic, with transliteration, meaning, when to say them, and their roots in the Quran and Sunnah.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
Common Islamic phrases and their meanings
| Arabic | Say | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ | Assalamu ‘alaykum | Peace be upon you | The Islamic greeting. The reply is “Wa ‘alaykumus-salam” (and upon you be peace). |
| بِسْمِ اللَّهِ | Bismillah | In the name of Allah | Before eating, starting any task, entering or leaving. |
| إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ | In sha’ Allah | If Allah wills | When speaking of the future (Al-Kahf 18:23–24). |
| مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ | Masha’ Allah | What Allah has willed | When admiring something, recognising it as Allah’s blessing (Al-Kahf 18:39). |
| سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ | SubhanAllah | Glory be to Allah | In wonder or amazement, and as dhikr. |
| الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ | Alhamdulillah | All praise is for Allah | In gratitude, after sneezing, and when asked “How are you?”. |
| اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ | Allahu akbar | Allah is the Greatest | In prayer, in the adhan, and at moments of joy or awe. |
| أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ | Astaghfirullah | I seek Allah’s forgiveness | After a mistake or sin, and as daily dhikr. |
| جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا | Jazak Allahu khayran | May Allah reward you with good | To thank someone; the Prophet ﷺ called it the best of thanks (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2035). |
| بَارَكَ اللَّهُ فِيكَ | Barak Allahu fik | May Allah bless you | In thanks or congratulation. |
| إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ | Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un | We belong to Allah and to Him we return | On hearing of a death or any loss (Al-Baqarah 2:156). |
| صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ | Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (ﷺ) | May Allah send blessings and peace upon him | After mentioning the Prophet Muhammad. |
| تَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ | Tabarak Allah | Blessed is Allah | In praise and admiration, often with Masha’ Allah. |
Why these phrases matter
Each phrase is a short act of remembrance (dhikr), connecting everyday moments to Allah. Some carry great reward: “Two words light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-‘Azim” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6406).
Children pick these up quickly at home; see duas for kids. For longer remembrances, see morning and evening adhkar and our daily duas; for the words of the Quran, the most common words in the Quran.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Mashallah and Inshallah?
Masha’ Allah (“what Allah has willed”) is said about something that has happened or exists, usually in admiration. In sha’ Allah (“if Allah wills”) is said about the future.
What do you reply to Jazak Allahu khayran?
A common reply is “Wa iyyakum” (and you too) or “Wa antum fa jazakumullahu khayran”.
Is it “Inshallah” or “In sha Allah”?
Both spellings are used in English. “In sha’ Allah” reflects the three Arabic words more closely; the meaning is the same.
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