Islamic words explained
Arabic words and phrases you hear from Muslims, explained in plain English with the verse or hadith they come from.
7 answers · each one sourced and reviewed.
- What does Alhamdulillah mean?Alhamdulillah means 'all praise is due to God' and is said in thanks for any blessing.
- What does Bismillah mean?Bismillah means 'in the name of God' and is said before starting any action.
- What does Halal mean?Halal means permitted; anything God has not forbidden is halal by default.
- What does Haram mean?Haram means forbidden by God; doing it is a sin and avoiding it is rewarded.
- What does Inshallah mean?Inshallah means 'if God wills' and is said when speaking of any future plan.
- What does Makruh mean?Makruh means disliked: avoiding it is rewarded but doing it is not a sin.
- What does Mashallah mean?Mashallah means 'what God has willed' and is said to express admiration without envy.