Alhamdulillah, Mashallah, Astaghfirullah and Other Everyday Islamic Phrases

Common Phrases at a Glance

Alhamdulillah

Alhamdulillah is praise and thanks to Allah together. It opens Surah Al-Fatiha, and in Sahih Muslim 223 the Prophet said it "fills the scale". Our full guide to Alhamdulillah explains its meaning and virtues in depth.

Mashallah

Mashallah acknowledges that anything good happens because Allah willed it. Its roots are in the story of the two gardens in Surah Al-Kahf, where a man is told: "And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, 'What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah'?" (Al-Kahf, 18:39, Sahih International). Muslims say it when admiring a child, a home, an achievement or anything else good, as a reminder of where that good comes from.

Astaghfirullah

Astaghfirullah is a request for Allah's forgiveness. Muslims say it after a mistake, but also as regular remembrance, following the Prophet's example. Abu Huraira reported him saying: "By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307).

InshaAllah

InshaAllah, "if Allah wills", is said when speaking about future plans. It comes from Surah Al-Kahf: "And never say of anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,' Except [when adding], 'If Allah wills'" (Al-Kahf, 18:23-24, Sahih International). It expresses sincere intention while recognising that the outcome is with Allah, rather than being a polite way of saying no.

JazakAllahu Khayran

When someone does you a kindness, a lovely reply is "JazakAllahu khayran", may Allah reward you with good. Usamah bin Zaid reported the Prophet saying that whoever says this to someone who did them good "has done the most that he can of praise" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2035, graded Hasan by Darussalam).

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

Said on hearing of a death or any loss, this phrase comes from the description of the patient in Surah Al-Baqarah: "Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'" (Al-Baqarah, 2:156, Sahih International).

Teaching These Phrases

• Use them naturally at home, so children hear them in the right moments.
• Explain the meaning, so the words carry intention rather than habit alone.
• Start with Bismillah and Alhamdulillah, then add others over time.

Learn More with a Teacher

Children learn these phrases in our Quran classes for kids, new Muslims can start gently with our Quran for reverts lessons, and our Islamic Studies course and Salah course cover daily adhkar with their meanings. You can book a free trial lesson with no card required, or call +44 7848 496686.