Translations of Common Muslim Phrases and How to Use Them
SubhanaAllah (سبحان الله) - God is perfect
People say this a lot when complimenting Allah’s creations like animals and nature. If you see a sunset you can either say SubhanaAllah or MashaAllah. It’s also said when seeing/hearing something amazing. Like a miraculous healing or a beautiful Quraan recitation. Some people will go all out when they see something really great and say SubhanaAllah al Azim ( سبحان الله العظيم), which means God is perfect and great.
MashaAllah ( ما شاء الله) - Whatever God wills
Used when complimenting someone or something (some people find it rude if other Muslims don’t say MashaAllah after a compliment). Also used in reaction to seeing/hearing something amazing. My mother said it after seeing my sister walk for the 1st time. I’ve also heard people using it while referring to people who are heavy. “He’s you know, a MashaAllah (aka fat) man.” But not everyone does this.
InshaAllah (إن شاء الله) - If God wills it
When Muslim parents use it, it means no (ex: you ask your mother if you can go to your friend’s house after dinner and she says InshaAllah. You’re not going anywhere, mate). People will use it in place of hopefully. You also say it when they will go on a trip so like “I will be going on Tuesday InshaAllah.” It’s almost like…to secure that you will go. Also like “InshaAllah, I will get a good grade.” “InshaAllah she will behave tonight.” “InshaAllah you will get well soon.” You get the drift?
Ya Elahi (يا إلهي) - Oh God (literally, oh my Lord)
In my experience, it’s mostly used when someone is exasperated or sees/hears something bad or that they dislike. I’ve seen people use it when they see some ugly shoes like “Ya Elahi come look at these who would wear these?” SubhanaAllah and Mashallah are mostly used for the positive stuff. Some people use it like OMG but using it for negative stuff is the most common usage I’ve seen.
AstaghfiruAllah (أستغفر الله) - I seek forgiveness in God
Normally used in negative situations. Like if you’re being a fool and someone says “AstaghfiruAllah what’s wrong with you?!” People will also say this when they see something like say…a shooting on TV or when they hear bad news. So like, “AstaghfiruAllah, may Allah protect them.”
AlhamduliAllah (الحَمْد لله) - Thank God (literally, thanks to God)
When something good happens to you or you have been doing well. Even when something bad happens you say it because hey, you’re still alive AlhamduliAllah. Some people will say AlhamduliAllah when someone asks how they’re doing and its (normally) because they aren’t doing that well but it could be worse. Sometimes people will say this in response to a “how have you been?” question. Here are some example usages:
“I saw a car accident on the freeway but AlhamduliAllah everyone seemed fine.“
“AlhamduliAllah I made it!“
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) - God is Great
Normally said when something awesome happens, also used in battle. Sometimes you’ll hear someone saying Allahu Akbar after hearing a great Quraan recitation or smth.
These are all from what I know and have been taught, certain areas use these slightly differently.
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