MVSLIM Team
If you’re new to Islam, you might still be unfamiliar with certain words Muslims use, so we’ve compiled a list of words and phrases and their meanings to give you a better insight into Islamic concepts.
Happy scrolling!
Alhamdulillah
Praise be to Allah
Alhamdulillah is a term used by Muslims typically to convey happiness or relief. i.e when someone gets betetr after being sick, they would say ‘Alhamdulillah’.
Allah
Arabic word for ‘God’
A literal translation of the word meaning ‘God’.
Allahu Akbar
Allah is the greatest
Now this is probably one of the most misused phrases and has unnecessary links to terrorism, but for a lot of Muslims, it’s actually used to express joy when you’re rewarded, allowing you to attribute your success to God.
Ameen
Amen
This word is used the same way Christians use ‘Amen’. It’s typically said at the end of prayers or conversations with God.
Asalaamualaaykum / Walaaykumsalaam
‘Peace be upon you’ / ‘And peace be upon you too’
These words are used to greet other Muslims, a way of saying ‘hello.’
Astagfirullah
I seek forgiveness from Allah
Muslims will say this when they’ve done/seen something considered sinful. It’s a quick way of repenting.
Bismillah
In the name of Allah
Muslims usually begin any task or prayer with this word.
Da’wah
Creating a circumstance for invitation
Da’wah is a term used to describe an invitation to Islam. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, it can be as small as introducing someone to more information or explaining different concepts to them if they’re confused.
Dua
Prayer/Supplication
This is a prayer that can be done at any time, under most circumstances. It’s typically done daily and during it, you can ask God for things you desire, or just have a conversation with Him.
[This concept stands separate to routine prayers such as ‘Salah’.]
Hadith
This refers to the actions and saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims try and live their lives as closely to the Hadith as possible.
Halal
Permissible by Islamic values
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca
Haram
Impermissible by Islamic law
Hijab
Veil
Typically when people refer to the ‘hijab’, they’re referring to the garment a Muslim woman wears on her head to cover her hair, but it is much more than that in Islam – it also includes modesty when it comes to actions and behaviour.
Iman
Faith
Iman refers to one’s faith.
Insha’Allah
If Allah wills it
Muslims use this tag at the end of sentences referring to the future. i.e I can’t wait to go on vacation, insha’Allah.
Jahannam
Hell
Jannah
Heaven
Jazaka Allah / Jazaka Allahu Khairan
May Allah reward you for your goodness
Muslims typically use this phrase interchangeably with ‘thank you.’
Mash’Allah
Allah has willed it
This phrase is used to express happiness or when giving a compliment, or just generally when Muslims see something that they like.
Muslim
Submitter
Someone who devotes their life to Allah and accepts the teachings of Islam.
Salah
Prayer/Supplication
‘Salah’ refers to the 5 obligatory prayers Muslims must complete each and every day in order to show dedication to the faith.
Shahada
Declaration of faith
When an individual says and believes in the Shahadah, they become Muslim. Read more on the Shahada as well as the other pillars of Islam here.
Subhan’Allah
All praise be to Allah
Muslims use this as a tag at the end of a sentence when they appreciate something.
Zakat
To cleanse
Every year, Muslims pay a 2.5% share of their held wealth (cash, property, gold, and silver) over a certain threshold to charity to help those less fortunate than themselves.