7 Most Famous Arabic Islamic Phrases
Many of us, perhaps even you, hear phrases like “In-sha-llah” إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ or “Al-ham-dul-illah” ٱلْـحَـمْـدُ للهِ ِ in movies, while travelling, or in conversation with Muslim friends, and wonder what that means?
These beautiful Islamic phrases in Arabic convey profound messages of faith, gratitude, and respect, and Muslims worldwide use them in their daily conversations.
And yes! You can learn them too. You don’t need to be Muslim or even fluent in Arabic to learn these common Muslim sayings. Whether you are a language learner, travelling to the Arab world, or simply interested in Islamic culture, this guide is for you.
In this article, we’ll go through seven of the most common Islamic phrases in Arabic. We’ll learn how to pronounce each one, what it means, and when to use them, along with examples and tips to help you remember and use them with confidence.
Let’s go!
Why Arabic Islamic Phrases Are So Widely Used
So why are these Islamic Arabic phrases so common? Well, it’s simple. They’re short, powerful expressions that carry a lot of meaning without needing a long explanation, and Muslims use them all the time.
Arabic Islamic phrases are rich in meaning and deeply emotional. For example, you might always hear a Muslim say Bis-mil-lah before starting a meal. It’s a simple way to invite blessings. Or Al-ham-dul-illah to express thanks when something good happens. During Eid, you might even hear Al-lahu-Akbar echoing through the streets as people gather for prayer.
Muslims around the world use these Arabic phrases regularly, not just in religious settings, but in everyday situations. They’re part of how people live, connect, and reflect on life.
As a result of this regular interaction, many Arabic learners start picking them up early because they’re simple and easy to remember, even if you’re just starting.
Let’s explore them together!
Phrase 1: Inshallah إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ
If God wills
in-sha-Allah
إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللهُ
It is used when referring to future events or intentions / expresses hope and trust in God’s will.
Examples
I’ll see you tomorrow, Inshallah.
arāka ghadan, in-sha-Allah
أَراكَ غَدًا، إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ
We’ll finish the project next week, Inshallah.
sanunhī al-mashrūʿ al-usbūʿ al-qādim, in-sha-Allah
سَنُنهي المَشروعَ الأُسبوعَ القادِمَ، إِن شاءَ اللهُ
Phrase 2: Mashallah مَا شَاءَ اللهُ
What God has willed
ma-sha-Allah
مَا شَاءَ ٱللهُ
It is often said when admiring someone or something beautiful to show appreciation and prevent envy.
Examples
Your baby is so cute, Mashallah.
ṭifluka jamīl jiddan, ma-sha-Allah
طِفلُكَ جَميلٌ جِدًا، مَا شَاءَ اللهُ
Mashallah, your Arabic has improved a lot!
ma-sha-Allah, laqad taḥassanat lughatuka al-‘arabiyyah kathīran
مَا شَاءَ اللهُ، لَقَد تَحسَّنَتْ لُغَتُكَ العَربيةُ كَثيرًا
Phrase 3: Alhamdulillah الحَمدُ لِله
Praise be to Allah/God
al-hamdu-lillah
ٱلْـحَـمْـدُ للهِ
It expresses gratitude for anything big or small / Common after meals, good news, or overcoming hardship.
Examples
I passed the exam, Alhamdulillah!
najaḥtu fī al-imtiḥān, al-hamdu-lillah
نَجَحتُ في الاِمتِحانِ، الحَمدُ لِلهِ
I’m doing well, Alhamdulillah.
anā bikhayr, al-hamdu-lillah
أَنا بِخَيرٍ، الحَمدُ لِلهِ
Phrase 4: Astaghfirullah أَستَغفِرُ اللهَ
Seek forgiveness from Allah/God
As-tagh-fi-ru-llah
أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللهَ
It is used when someone wants to repent or seek forgiveness for sins or when witnessing something inappropriate.
Examples
Astaghfirullah for forgetting my prayers.
astaghfirullah li'annī naseytu ṣalātī
أَستَغفِرُ اللهَ لِأنَّني نَسِيتُ صَلاتي
Astaghfirullah, that was not right to say.
astaghfirullah, lam yakun min al-ṣawāb qawl dhālik
أَستَغفِرُ اللَهَ، لَم يَكنْ مِنَ الصَّوابِ قَولُ ذَلكَ
Phrase 5: Subhanallah سُبحانَ اللهِ
Glory be to Allah/God
Sub-hana-llah
سُبْحَانَ ٱللهِ
It is usually used to express amazement, awe, or wonder at something beautiful or divine.
Examples
Subhanallah, look at that sunset.
subḥānallah, unẓur ilā hādhā al-ghurūb
سُبحانَ اللهِ، اُنظُرْ إِلى هَذا الغُرُوبِ
Subhanallah, the sky is full of stars tonight.
Subḥānallah, al-samāʾ malīʾah bil-nujūm al-laylah.
سُبحانَ اللهِ، السَّماءُ مَليئةٌ بِالنُّجومِ اللَّيلةَ.
Phrase 6: Bismillah بِسمِ اللهِ
In the name of Allah/God
Bis–mil–lah
بِسْمِ ٱللهِ
It is said before starting any task to invoke blessings and protection.
Examples
Bismillah, let’s begin our meal.
bismillah, linabdaʾ wajbatunā
بِسمِ اللهِ، لِنَبدَأْ وَجبَتَنا
I’ll start my journey now, Bismillah.
saʾabdaʾ riḥlatī al-ān, bismillah
سَأَبدَأُ رِحلَتي الآنَ، بِسمِ اللهِ
Phrase 7: Allahu Akbar اللهُ أَكبَرُ
God is the Greatest
Allahu Akbar
ٱللهُ أَكْبَرُ
It is used in prayer, during emotional moments, or to show awe and respect.
Examples
\
Allahu Akbar, the baby is born!
allahu akbar, laqad wulida al-ṭifl
اللهُ أَكبَرُ، لَقد وُلِدَ الطِّفلُ
He reached the mountain peak, shouting Allahu Akbar!
waṣala ilā qimmat al-jabal wa huwa yahtif: allahu akbar!
وَصلَ إِلى قِمَّةِ الجَبَلِ وَهوَ يَهتِفُ: اللهُ أَكبَرُ!
How to Use Islamic Arabic Phrases Respectfully
If you are new to Arabic or not Muslim, you may ask yourself: “Can I use words like Inshallah or Alhamdulillah?” It’s yes but only when you use these words with due consideration and deep respect.
Each and every one of these phrases hold great significance to Muslim communities as they are all closely connected to their customs and culture. If you wish to use the phrases, you may want to look into the following things:
1. Understand their meaning
Do not learn them to be trendy or “cultured.” Take a few minutes to review how each expression is defined and when people say it and work on the pronunciation.
2. Know when it’s appropriate
Some words like Al-lahu-Akbar or As-tagh-fi-rul-lah are intensely religious phrases. By placing these in the wrong context—and possibly in some instances far too often—these can grate. Determine when to utilize these and when to simply observe.
3. Pay attention to your tone and body language
It’s not what you say but the way that you say it. Be respectful in tone and bodily posture. These are spiritual expressions, so they have to be said sincerely and not in jest or in exaggeration.
4. Let your intention guide you
It makes a difference that you mean to be respectful, to connect, to learn. People will usually perceive that. If you are only saying these words in order to belong, to be funny, people will feel that regardless of how you mean it.
5. Be open to learning
If you’re not quite certain, you can always ask questions and listen. Most native speakers will appreciate your effort and will be more than happy to help you learn to say things properly.
Conclusion
Now that you know the meaning behind seven common Islamic phrases, you are one step closer to speaking Arabic in a more considerate and personal way.
These words show up in greetings, in thanks, even in quiet pauses and the more you understand them, the more natural they start to feel.
Begin to practice with one or two phrases that you hear regularly. Practice using these in context and don’t expect to get it all right immediately. What you want to focus on most is to say them with sincerity and respect.
If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
- 100 Common Arabic Words – Build your everyday vocabulary.
- 50 Easy Arabic Words for Beginners – Start with simple, useful words.
- Arabic Greetings – Learn how to say hello the right way.
And to learn even more, download the AlifBee app — it’s a fun, friendly way to practice Arabic anywhere, anytime.
See you in the next lesson! and Inshallah “ إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَه” , your Arabic will keep getting better from here.
