As- Salaamu Alaykum Warahma tullahi Wabarakatuh
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
This is the official way to greet Muslim's. The shortened form would be the As-salamu alaykum.
As-salamu Alaykum
Peace be upon you
The response to this expression is: Wa Alaykum Salaam, which means peace be upon you too. The cool thing here, is that you can salaam anyone at anytime and in any condition, compared to other greetings like Hi, What's up, Good Morning or Good Night.
InshaAllah
God Willing
if you intend to do something or go somewhere in the future (i.e. God willing) like “I’ll do this ___ Insha'Allah “ or “Insha'Allah there will be ____."This expression is derived from the Quran, in the 18th chapter known as Surah Al Kahf verse 23-24, Allah says" Never say of anything, “I will do so-and-so tomorrow,” without Insha Allah. When you forget [to say it], remember your Lord, and say, “May the Lord guide me to more righteous conduct than this.”
Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful
A phrase often recited before doing an activity, praying or reading the Qur'an. The reason is to remember God before starting whatever it is you were about to do.
Bismillah
In the name of Allah
Is the shortened version of the above; Often recited when before starting anything, whether it be a task, before you east etc. It is signifying I begin with the Name of Allah.
Alhamdulilah
"All praise be to Allah" or "Thanks to Allah."
This word is used to express gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation to the most high, Allah! In all situations where we feel blessed, relieved, or thankful for something good or bad that has happened, we say Alhamdulilah to everything to express our humility and gratitude to him.
Masha Allah
"God wills it" or "Whatever Allah wants to give, he gives"
Muslims say this whenever they see something they like, wish to express their happiness, when giving a compliment to a Muslim. Ex: Masha Allah, that dress is beautiful.'s proper etiquette to say “Masha Allah” with a compliment, because Muslims believe that it can avert envy/evil eye. So for the next time that you go out with the guys or with the girls, make sure you use Masha Allah when you wish to compliment something or someone.
Allahumma Barik
"May Allah bless you."
It's used to ask Allah to bless something or someone or said when we like something or admire.
Jazakallah khair
May Allah reward you for the good/goodness
Often recited as way to express thanks or gratitude towards another as a sign of appreciation. Allah gives the best rewards, so saying this phrase is like a short prayer made on behalf on the person you are thanking.
Subhan Allah
"All is free from imperfection" or "Allah is Perfect"
It is a common phrase used to remember Allah. Subhan Allah is used in the Quran in many verses to tell people not to compare anyone with Allah. So, by saying Subhan Allah, we also testify that Allah is The Only and no one is like Him. It can also be used as a phrase of simple exclamation—for example, "Wow!" By saying "Subhan Allah". Muslims also say Subhanallah during times of personal trial and struggle, as a remembrance of purpose and a refuge in the beauty of creation.
A'oothu billahi min ash-shaytaan-ir-rajeem
I seek refuge in Allah from the Shaytaan, the accursed
When you say the phrase, it means that you are asking Allah to guard and protect you from Shaytaan. The is also the Arabic phrase that Muslims recite daily as they usually say before start reading any chapter of the Quran. Continuing with “bismillah-hir-rahman-nir-raheem”. Also when Muslims pray before the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha Muslims begins by saying this phrase.
Allahu Akbar
Allahuakbar translated means “God is Great” or “God is Greater” (God in this case referring to Allah).
It's a common phrase used by Muslims, particularly in times of extreme emotion such as during times of great triumph or great tragedy, or during times of great danger.
Allah Subhana Watala (SWT)
Subhanahu wa ta'ala translates as “Glory to Him, the Exalted”.
When writing the name of God (Allah), Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SWT," which stands for the Arabic words "Subhanahu wa ta'ala." Muslims use these or similar words to glorify God when mentioning his name.
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam or S.A.W means peace and blessings of Allah be on him.
The phrase is used in Islamic practice to show respect. The phrase is used to get Allah's blessings for the prophet/messenger, and in turn, get blessings for themselves.
Radi Allahu Anhu
“May Allah be pleased with him”
Radi Allahu Anhu is an Islamic honorific phrase that is used after reciting one of the Sahabah’s names, which are the male companions of the prophet ﷺ (reserved for the male companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Radi Allahu Anha
“May Allah be pleased with her”.
Radi Allahu Anhu is an Islamic honorific phrase that is used after reciting one of the Sahabah’s names, which are the female companions of the prophet ﷺ (reserved for the female companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Alahi Salaam
Is an abbreviation meaning Alayhi Salaam, which means peace be upon him.
It's an example to show respect and make prayers specifically for the previous prophets, their mothers. Alayhis salaam is used if it follows a woman's name.
Adhan
This is the call to congregational prayer (salat or namaz).
It is used to signify the beginning of the five obligatory daily prayers. It's often spelled azan, adhan, or athan.
Akhirah
The Arabic phrase refers to the hereafter.
Akhlaq
It's the practice of virtue, morals and manners.
Refers to innate disposition or character and, by extension in Muslim thought, to ethics.
Ayah / Ayat
An ayah is a "verse" of the Quran.
The Quran is divided into chapters called surahs. Each surah (chapter) consists of sentences, each sentence would be referred to as an ayah. The plural of ayah would be ayat.
Surah
Is used in Islam to mean a "chapter" of the Holy Qur'an.
Allahumma Ameen
This plea to Allah means "O Allah, hear this truth” or hear my prayer, my invocation.
It is a simple yet profound way for us to seek the acceptance of our prayers to the Almighty.
Barakah
Means blessing or divine grace.
Muslims believe that all things happen in this life through the will of their creator, Allah subhana wa ta’ala. That means in order to have access and enjoy a full and prosperous life they will need the blessings of their Lord. This is why as Muslims we ask Allah alone to pour upon us Barakah.
Biddah
This is an Islamic Innovation in religion.
Inventing new methods of worship that have no authenticity. It is considered a serious sin by Muslim if they are attempting to alter and perpetuate the teachings of the religion.
Caliph
The successors or spiritual leaders after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after his death.
Da'wah
Someone issuing summons or making invitations to Islam.
Teaching others about Islamic practices, beliefs, virtues would be an example of Dawah.
Deen
When referring to a Muslim’s deen you’re describing three of his/her senses: judgment, custom and religion.
The word refers to the way of life for a Muslim, his compliance with the divine law, his beliefs, character and deeds.
Dhikr
Is a devotional act or prayer whereby a short phrase is repeated.
The significance of dhikr is for remembrance of Allah and for repentance.
Dua
Is a supplication (invocation); a calling to Allah.
Dunya
Refers to this life, life on planet earth.
Dhul Hijjah
Is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar.
Eid
Is a Muslim festivity, a celebration, a get together of families and communities. There are different types of Eid.
Eid ul-Adha
Falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, it’s also called the “Festival of the Sacrifice”.
It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command.
Eid ul-Fitr
Falls on the 1st day of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” which celebrates the end of Ramadan. It lasts three days.
Fiqh
The body of Islamic jurisprudence (the theory or philosophy of law, legal system).
In Islam it also means understanding, comprehension and knowledge. The faqih who is an expert in legal matters, passes verdicts within the rules of the Islamic Law.
Fard
Meaning obligatory.
A religious obligation or duty, Islamic ruling. Praying 5 times a day is fard, neglecting fard is a sin.
Fitnah
Civil strife, riots, war or any trial or tribulation.
Fatiha
Is the opening chapter of the Quran. It is called Umm Al-Kitab translated to ‘Mother of the Quran’ according to scholars.
Fatwa
A decisive Islamic law which gives a ruling on various matters.
The necessity for these rulings is usually based on modern issues which come about after the time of the Prophet. These rulings are not random, they are based on evidence in the Quran and Sunnah.
Fitrah
“Fitra” or “fitrah” refers to the “original disposition” a child is born with. It’s believed they are a clean slate, pure and innocent.
Ghufranaka
Is a short dua meaning “[I ask You for] Your Forgiveness”
It is recited when exiting the toilet.
Ghusl
Is a spiritual or ritual purification of the body that is required after sexual intercourse, menstruation, or seminal discharge.
Halal
Is an Arabic word that translates to “permissible” into English.
Haram
Haram are things that are not permitted in Islam.
For example, eating pork, gambling and drinking alcohol are all considered to be haram.
Hajj
Is the Pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a mandatory act for all Muslims to complete at least once in their lifetime if the individual is financially and physically capable.
Hijab
Literally means “veil” and is a headscarf used by women to cover their hair.
Hikmah
Hikmah is the concept in Islamic philosophy and law.
It refers to self awareness of oneself and others, to know the essence of beings as they really are.
Hafiz
A Hafiz is a Muslim who has memorized the Quran or knows it by heart. The literal translation is “memorizer” or Protector.
Iftar
Refers to breaking of the fast, typically in the month of Ramadan.
Ihsan
Is an Arabic term meaning perfection or excellence.
It is a Muslim’s individual responsibility to take one’s inner faith and show it through their deeds and action. It’s the responsibility to try and pursue perfection knowing it will never be reached. To try and seek perfection in worshiping Allah as if they see him, although they cannot see him. Allah loves when one of you is given a task, that he or she does it in the most excellent manner.
Iman
Is full, deep belief or faith in Allah. It is a part of the deen.
Injil
Is the Gospel of Isa (Jesus) the new testament, it is one of the four holy books in Islam along with the Qur’an.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
It means “Allah we belong and to Him is our return”.
Is a short prayer said upon hearing news for the deceased.
Iqamah
Is the second call to prayer, the adhan being the first. It’s said just before starting prayer, the formal congregational prayer.
It is typically recited quickly and in a monotone nature compared to the adhan.
Istighfar
Is the act of seeking forgiveness.
Saying Astaghfirullah is an example of istighfar.
Jannah
Is Paradise; what many refer to in English as Heaven.
Jannatul Firdaus
There are different layers of heaven, “Firdaus” is the designation for the highest layer.
Jinn
A jinn is a creation of Allah who are made from fire but could take forms of humans, and animals.
Jinn are unseen spiritual beings who are also required to follow the order of Allah. But like humans they too can be either good or evil spirited and will be accountable for their deeds.
Jumu'ah
Is the special Friday prayer, also referred to as salatul Jumu’ah.
Juz
One of thirty parts of the Qur’an.
Every night during the month of Ramadan, one Juz is completed in Tarawih. After 30 days, the entire Quran would have been read.
Ka'bah
The Literal translation is “cube” and refers to the holy building in Mecca originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim.
Muslims all across the world when they pray face the Kaaba, during pilgrimage they circulate the building.
Kafir
Is the Disbeliever. It refers to people who completely disbelieve in Allah.
Kafir
Is the Disbeliever. It refers to people who completely disbelieve in Allah.
Ka'bah
The Literal translation is “cube” and refers to the holy building in Mecca originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim.
Muslims all across the world when they pray face the Kaaba, during pilgrimage they circulate the building.
Juz
One of thirty parts of the Qur’an.
Every night during the month of Ramadan, one Juz is completed in Tarawih. After 30 days, the entire Quran would have been read.
Jumu'ah
Is the special Friday prayer, also referred to as salatul Jumu’ah.
Jinn
A jinn is a creation of Allah who are made from fire but could take forms of humans, and animals.
Jinn are unseen spiritual beings who are also required to follow the order of Allah. But like humans they too can be either good or evil spirited and will be accountable for their deeds.
Jannatul Firdaus
There are different layers of heaven, “Firdaus” is the designation for the highest layer.
Jannah
Is Paradise; what many refer to in English as Heaven.
Istighfar
Is the act of seeking forgiveness.
Saying Astaghfirullah is an example of istighfar.
Iqamah
Is the second call to prayer, the adhan being the first. It’s said just before starting prayer, the formal congregational prayer.
It is typically recited quickly and in a monotone nature compared to the adhan.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
It means “Allah we belong and to Him is our return”.
Is a short prayer said upon hearing news for the deceased.
Injil
Is the Gospel of Isa (Jesus) the new testament, it is one of the four holy books in Islam along with the Qur’an.
Iman
Is full, deep belief or faith in Allah. It is a part of the deen.
Ihsan
Is an Arabic term meaning perfection or excellence.
It is a Muslim’s individual responsibility to take one’s inner faith and show it through their deeds and action. It’s the responsibility to try and pursue perfection knowing it will never be reached. To try and seek perfection in worshiping Allah as if they see him, although they cannot see him. Allah loves when one of you is given a task, that he or she does it in the most excellent manner.
Iftar
Refers to breaking of the fast, typically in the month of Ramadan.
Hafiz
A Hafiz is a Muslim who has memorized the Quran or knows it by heart. The literal translation is “memorizer” or Protector.
Hikmah
Hikmah is the concept in Islamic philosophy and law.
It refers to self awareness of oneself and others, to know the essence of beings as they really are.
Hijab
Literally means “veil” and is a headscarf used by women to cover their hair.
Hajj
Is the Pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a mandatory act for all Muslims to complete at least once in their lifetime if the individual is financially and physically capable.
Haram
Haram are things that are not permitted in Islam.
For example, eating pork, gambling and drinking alcohol are all considered to be haram.
Halal
Is an Arabic word that translates to “permissible” into English.
Ghusl
Is a spiritual or ritual purification of the body that is required after sexual intercourse, menstruation, or seminal discharge.
Ghufranaka
Is a short dua meaning “[I ask You for] Your Forgiveness”
It is recited when exiting the toilet.
Fitrah
“Fitra” or “fitrah” refers to the “original disposition” a child is born with. It’s believed they are a clean slate, pure and innocent.
Fatwa
A decisive Islamic law which gives a ruling on various matters.
The necessity for these rulings is usually based on modern issues which come about after the time of the Prophet. These rulings are not random, they are based on evidence in the Quran and Sunnah.
Fatiha
Is the opening chapter of the Quran. It is called Umm Al-Kitab translated to ‘Mother of the Quran’ according to scholars.
Fitnah
Civil strife, riots, war or any trial or tribulation.
Fard
Meaning obligatory.
A religious obligation or duty, Islamic ruling. Praying 5 times a day is fard, neglecting fard is a sin.
Fiqh
The body of Islamic jurisprudence (the theory or philosophy of law, legal system).
In Islam it also means understanding, comprehension and knowledge. The faqih who is an expert in legal matters, passes verdicts within the rules of the Islamic Law.
Eid ul-Fitr
Falls on the 1st day of Shawwal, Eid al-Fitr also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” which celebrates the end of Ramadan. It lasts three days.
Eid ul-Adha
Falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, it’s also called the “Festival of the Sacrifice”.
It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command.
Eid
Is a Muslim festivity, a celebration, a get together of families and communities. There are different types of Eid.
Dhul Hijjah
Is the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar.
Dunya
Refers to this life, life on planet earth.
Dua
Is a supplication (invocation); a calling to Allah.
Dhikr
Is a devotional act or prayer whereby a short phrase is repeated.
The significance of dhikr is for remembrance of Allah and for repentance.
Deen
When referring to a Muslim’s deen you’re describing three of his/her senses: judgment, custom and religion.
The word refers to the way of life for a Muslim, his compliance with the divine law, his beliefs, character and deeds.
Da'wah
Someone issuing summons or making invitations to Islam.
Teaching others about Islamic practices, beliefs, virtues would be an example of Dawah.
Caliph
The successors or spiritual leaders after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after his death.
Biddah
This is an Islamic Innovation in religion.
Inventing new methods of worship that have no authenticity. It is considered a serious sin by Muslim if they are attempting to alter and perpetuate the teachings of the religion.
Barakah
Means blessing or divine grace.
Muslims believe that all things happen in this life through the will of their creator, Allah subhana wa ta’ala. That means in order to have access and enjoy a full and prosperous life they will need the blessings of their Lord. This is why as Muslims we ask Allah alone to pour upon us Barakah.
Allahumma Ameen
This plea to Allah means "O Allah, hear this truth” or hear my prayer, my invocation.
It is a simple yet profound way for us to seek the acceptance of our prayers to the Almighty.
Surah
Is used in Islam to mean a "chapter" of the Holy Qur'an.
Ayah / Ayat
An ayah is a "verse" of the Quran.
The Quran is divided into chapters called surahs. Each surah (chapter) consists of sentences, each sentence would be referred to as an ayah. The plural of ayah would be ayat.
Akhlaq
It's the practice of virtue, morals and manners.
Refers to innate disposition or character and, by extension in Muslim thought, to ethics.
Akhirah
The Arabic phrase refers to the hereafter.
Adhan
This is the call to congregational prayer (salat or namaz).
It is used to signify the beginning of the five obligatory daily prayers. It's often spelled azan, adhan, or athan.
Alahi Salaam
Is an abbreviation meaning Alayhi Salaam, which means peace be upon him.
It's an example to show respect and make prayers specifically for the previous prophets, their mothers. Alayhis salaam is used if it follows a woman's name.
Radi Allahu Anha
“May Allah be pleased with her”.
Radi Allahu Anhu is an Islamic honorific phrase that is used after reciting one of the Sahabah’s names, which are the female companions of the prophet ﷺ (reserved for the female companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Radi Allahu Anhu
“May Allah be pleased with him”
Radi Allahu Anhu is an Islamic honorific phrase that is used after reciting one of the Sahabah’s names, which are the male companions of the prophet ﷺ (reserved for the male companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam or S.A.W means peace and blessings of Allah be on him.
The phrase is used in Islamic practice to show respect. The phrase is used to get Allah's blessings for the prophet/messenger, and in turn, get blessings for themselves.
Allah Subhana Watala (SWT)
Subhanahu wa ta'ala translates as “Glory to Him, the Exalted”.
When writing the name of God (Allah), Muslims often follow it with the abbreviation "SWT," which stands for the Arabic words "Subhanahu wa ta'ala." Muslims use these or similar words to glorify God when mentioning his name.
Allahu Akbar
Allahuakbar translated means “God is Great” or “God is Greater” (God in this case referring to Allah).
It's a common phrase used by Muslims, particularly in times of extreme emotion such as during times of great triumph or great tragedy, or during times of great danger.
A'oothu billahi min ash-shaytaan-ir-rajeem
I seek refuge in Allah from the Shaytaan, the accursed
When you say the phrase, it means that you are asking Allah to guard and protect you from Shaytaan. The is also the Arabic phrase that Muslims recite daily as they usually say before start reading any chapter of the Quran. Continuing with “bismillah-hir-rahman-nir-raheem”. Also when Muslims pray before the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha Muslims begins by saying this phrase.
Subhan Allah
"All is free from imperfection" or "Allah is Perfect"
It is a common phrase used to remember Allah. Subhan Allah is used in the Quran in many verses to tell people not to compare anyone with Allah. So, by saying Subhan Allah, we also testify that Allah is The Only and no one is like Him. It can also be used as a phrase of simple exclamation—for example, "Wow!" By saying "Subhan Allah". Muslims also say Subhanallah during times of personal trial and struggle, as a remembrance of purpose and a refuge in the beauty of creation.
Jazakallah khair
May Allah reward you for the good/goodness
Often recited as way to express thanks or gratitude towards another as a sign of appreciation. Allah gives the best rewards, so saying this phrase is like a short prayer made on behalf on the person you are thanking.
Allahumma Barik
"May Allah bless you."
It's used to ask Allah to bless something or someone or said when we like something or admire.
Masha Allah
"God wills it" or "Whatever Allah wants to give, he gives"
Muslims say this whenever they see something they like, wish to express their happiness, when giving a compliment to a Muslim. Ex: Masha Allah, that dress is beautiful.'s proper etiquette to say “Masha Allah” with a compliment, because Muslims believe that it can avert envy/evil eye. So for the next time that you go out with the guys or with the girls, make sure you use Masha Allah when you wish to compliment something or someone.
Alhamdulilah
"All praise be to Allah" or "Thanks to Allah."
This word is used to express gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation to the most high, Allah! In all situations where we feel blessed, relieved, or thankful for something good or bad that has happened, we say Alhamdulilah to everything to express our humility and gratitude to him.
Bismillah
In the name of Allah
Is the shortened version of the above; Often recited when before starting anything, whether it be a task, before you east etc. It is signifying I begin with the Name of Allah.
Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful
A phrase often recited before doing an activity, praying or reading the Qur'an. The reason is to remember God before starting whatever it is you were about to do.
InshaAllah
God Willing
if you intend to do something or go somewhere in the future (i.e. God willing) like “I’ll do this ___ Insha'Allah “ or “Insha'Allah there will be ____."This expression is derived from the Quran, in the 18th chapter known as Surah Al Kahf verse 23-24, Allah says" Never say of anything, “I will do so-and-so tomorrow,” without Insha Allah. When you forget [to say it], remember your Lord, and say, “May the Lord guide me to more righteous conduct than this.”
As-salamu Alaykum
Peace be upon you
The response to this expression is: Wa Alaykum Salaam, which means peace be upon you too. The cool thing here, is that you can salaam anyone at anytime and in any condition, compared to other greetings like Hi, What's up, Good Morning or Good Night.
As- Salaamu Alaykum Warahma tullahi Wabarakatuh
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
This is the official way to greet Muslim's. The shortened form would be the As-salamu alaykum.