Every day, Muslims around the world use beautiful Arabic phrases — to praise Allah, express gratitude, greet one another, and remember Him in moments of joy and difficulty. If you have ever wondered what Alhamdulillah, Subhanallah or JazakAllah Khair actually mean, this is your complete reference.

Quick answer: The most common Islamic phrases are Bismillah (in the name of Allah), Alhamdulillah (all praise to Allah), Subhanallah (glory be to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), Mashallah (what Allah has willed), Inshallah (if Allah wills), and JazakAllah Khair (may Allah reward you). Below are 30 phrases with Arabic, meaning and when to say each.

This guide is a hub — each phrase links to a full in-depth article with pronunciation, Quranic references, benefits and common mistakes.

Phrases of Praise & Remembrance (Dhikr)

الحمد لله
Alhamdulillah
"All praise and thanks are due to Allah." Said to express gratitude for any blessing.
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سبحان الله
Subhanallah
"Glory be to Allah." Said in awe of Allah's perfection and creation.
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الله أكبر
Allahu Akbar
"Allah is the Greatest." Said in prayer, adhan, and moments of amazement.
لا إله إلا الله
La ilaha illallah
"There is no god but Allah." The declaration of faith (Tawheed).
أستغفر الله
Astaghfirullah
"I seek forgiveness from Allah." Said in repentance and after mistakes.
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لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
"There is no might nor power except with Allah." Said in hardship.

Everyday & Situational Phrases

بسم الله
Bismillah
"In the name of Allah." Said before eating, starting any task or action.
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ما شاء الله
Mashallah
"What Allah has willed." Said when admiring something to ward off the evil eye.
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إن شاء الله
Inshallah
"If Allah wills." Said when speaking about future plans and hopes.
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جزاك الله خيرا
JazakAllah Khair
"May Allah reward you with good." The Islamic way to say thank you.
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إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
"To Allah we belong and to Him we return." Said upon hearing of a death or loss.
بارك الله فيك
Barakallahu Feek
"May Allah bless you." A common response to JazakAllah Khair.

Greetings & Responses

السلام عليكم
Assalamu Alaikum
"Peace be upon you." The Islamic greeting between Muslims.
وعليكم السلام
Wa Alaikum Assalam
"And upon you be peace." The reply to Assalamu Alaikum.
Why learn these phrases? These are not just words — each one is a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that carries reward and keeps the heart connected to Allah throughout the day. The Prophet ﷺ said the words most beloved to Allah are four: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, and Allahu Akbar. (Sahih Muslim 2137)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Islamic phrases? +

The most common Islamic phrases are: Bismillah (in the name of Allah), Alhamdulillah (all praise to Allah), Subhanallah (glory be to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), Mashallah (what Allah has willed), Inshallah (if Allah wills), Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah's forgiveness), JazakAllah Khair (may Allah reward you), and Assalamu Alaikum (peace be upon you).

What do Muslims say to praise Allah? +

Muslims praise Allah with four beloved phrases: Subhanallah (glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (all praise to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no god but Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). The Prophet ﷺ said these are the most beloved words to Allah (Sahih Muslim 2137). Together they are known as the "four pillars of dhikr."

What is the reply to JazakAllah Khair? +

The best reply to JazakAllah Khair is "Wa iyyakum" (and you too) or "Wa antum fa jazakumullahu khairan" (and may Allah reward you with good too). Many also respond with "Barakallahu feek" (may Allah bless you). Read our full JazakAllah Khair guide for details.

What is the difference between Mashallah and Inshallah? +

Mashallah (what Allah has willed) is said about something that already exists or happened — like admiring a child or success. Inshallah (if Allah wills) is said about the future — plans, hopes and intentions. Mashallah appreciates the present; Inshallah looks to the future.

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