Key Islamic Phrases and Their Meanings

07.15.25

Key Islamic Phrases and Their Meanings

In Islam, words hold great power. Whether it’s greeting one another, expressing gratitude, or making Du’a (supplication), the Islamic phrases we use every day reflect our faith and connection to Allah (SWT).

The Qur’an and Sunnah encourage us to embody kindness and compassion to others. To use our words and deeds to spread goodness.

“Do you not see how Allah compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firm and its branches reach the sky, ˹always˺ yielding its fruit in every season by the Will of its Lord. This is how Allah sets forth parables for the people, so perhaps they will be mindful.”
Qur’an | Surah Ibrahim | 14:24-25

Likewise, Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or keep silent.”
Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari 6136

Here, you’ll find a guide to common Islamic phrases and when to say them.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or simply incorporate them into daily life, this resource will help guide you through the key phrases we say often.

List of Key Islamic Phrases and Their Meanings

ISLAMIC PHRASE	ARABIC	ENGLISH TRANSLATION	WHEN TO SAY IT
La ilaha illa Allah (muhammadur rasool allah)	لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱلله (مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱلله)	There is none worthy of worship except Allah (and Muhammad (ﷺ) is the messenger of God).	Part of the Shahada, the fundamental declaration of faith in Islam. This phrase is often recited to affirm faith and during Dhikr (remembrance).
As-salamu alaykum	‏اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم	Peace be upon you.	Muslims use this phrase as a greeting when first seeing one another. It is a way of offering peace and blessings upon someone. We also use a longer variation of this phrase to end our five daily Salahs.
Wa-ʿalaykumu salam	وَعَلَيْكُمُ ٱلسَّلَام	And peace be upon you.	This is the response to “Assalamu Alaikum”, returning the greeting and peace. It is a form of respect and kindness.
Insha’Allah	إِنْ شَاءَ الله	If Allah wills it.	We use this phrase when speaking about future events or plans, acknowledging that everything happens according to Allah’s will.
Alhamdulillah	ٱلْحَمْدُ لِله	All praise is due to Allah.	Muslims say this to express gratitude, contentment, or relief. It can be used in response to good news or after completing something successfully. It also serves as a form of Dhikr.
Masha’Allah	مَا شَاءَ الله	What Allah has willed has happened.	This phrase is used to express admiration or appreciation for something good while acknowledging that it is by Allah’s will. It also serves as a way to prevent envy.
Allahumma Barik	اللّهُـمَّ بارِكْ	Oh Allah bless him/her.	A supplication asking Allah to bless something or someone. Often said when complimenting others to avoid envy.
SubhanAllah	سُبْحَانَ الله	Glory be to Allah.	Used to express amazement or wonder at something. This also serves as a form of Dhikr.
Astagh’firullah	أَسْتَغْفِرُ الله	I seek forgiveness from Allah.	This is said when repenting for a sin, after making a mistake, or when hearing something inappropriate. This can also be recited as part of Dhikr.
Allahu Akbar	ٱللهُ أَكْبَر	Allah is the Greatest.	Said in Salah, in moments of awe, gratitude, or as a reminder of Allah’s supreme power. Also recited during the Adhan (the call to prayer).
Bismillah	بِسْمِ الله	In the name of Allah.	Said before starting something, such as eating, working, or any important task, seeking blessings from Allah.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem	بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم	In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.	A longer and more formal version of “Bismillah,” often used before reciting the Qur’an, beginning prayers, or starting something significant.
Ameen	آمِين	O Allah, accept it.	Said at the end of a du’a to affirm and hope that Allah grants the request.
Jazakum Allahu Khayran	جَزَاكُمُ ٱللهُ خَيْرً	May Allah reward you with goodness.	Used to express gratitude or thank someone by making Du’a for them.
La Hawla wa La Quwwata illa Billah	لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِالله	There is no power or strength except with Allah.	Said in times of difficulty or as a reminder of Allah’s power.
Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel	حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ	‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.’	Said in times of difficulty, or when making or awaiting the outcome of a decision.