Short Phrases Of Islamic Manners

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

These phrases will help you to understand and respond to what other Muslims are saying. Even better, each time you say one of these, Allah will reward you for having performed a good deed.  Once you get used to this, you'll do it effortlessly, dozens of times a day!


Al-hamdulillah.  "Praise Allah."
We say this whenever we think of, speak of, or hear something good, to remind ourselves that everything good comes from Allah.

Al-hamdulillah 'ala kool ahal.  "Praise Allah in all circumstances."
We say this when something displeases us.

Allahu Akbar.  "Allah is the Greatest!"
We exclaim this whenever we hear exciting news.  Also used in meetings, to express approval of what a speaker has said.

Aoothoo billahi meen ash-shaytan ar-rajeem.  "I seek Allah's protection from Satan the accursed."
We say this when we are tempted to do something wrong, or when we are angry.

As-sallamu aleykum! "Peace be unto you."
We always say this to greet another Muslim.
The other Muslim answers, Wa aleykum-us-sallam.  "And to you be peace."  He or she may lengthen the answer to Wa aleykum-us-sallam wa rahmattullahi wa barakatuh.  "And to you be peace and Allah's mercy and blessings."
--We say the same things when parting.
--We should say this when entering the house, even if we know there's nobody home.

Astaghfir Allah.  "Allah, forgive me."
We say this whenever we become aware of or remember a sin.

Bismillah.  "In the name of Allah."
We say this before bathing, praying, eating, drinking, cooking, or beginning any other activity.

Hasbun Allah wa ni'am al-wakil.  "Allah suffices me and He is the best guardian."
We say this when we are faced with a problem for which we have no solution.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.  "Truly we belong to Allah and truly to Him shall we return."
We say this when we hear that someone has died, or when we are faced with something difficult or unpleasant.  See the Holy Qur'an, "Surat-al-Baqarah" (The Cow), 2: 155-157.

Insha'Allah.  "If Allah is willing."
We say this to remind ourselves that, although we fully intend to do something, Allah may have another plan.  See the Holy Qur'an, "Surat-al-Kahf", (The Cave), 18: 23-24.

Jazak Allah Khair. "May Allah reward you."
This is the best way of thanking someone.

La hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah. "There is no power or glory except for Allah's."
We say this when we hear bad news or are disappointed.

Ma sha Allah. "This is according to Allah's will."
We say this when we notice something attractive, desirable, or admirable.  Saying this protects people against the evil effects of envy.

Mubarak! "May Allah bless you."
We say this to congratulate a person for any good news or happy event.  We also say Ramadan Mubarak! and Eid Mubarak!

Sall-Allahu aleyhi wa sallam. "Allah, bless him and grant him peace."
We say this whenever we mention any of Allah's prophets or angels.  See the Holy Qur’an, Surat-al-Ahzaab (The Clans), 33: 56.

Subhan Allah. "Glory to Allah."  We say this whenever we are surprised by any of Allah's wonderful works.  Also often used when we notice a human being's mistake, especially during the prayer.

When someone sneezes, he should say, Al-hamdulillah! "Praise Allah!
Everyone who hears him should say,  Yarhamak Allah. "May Allah have mercy on you."