الحمد لله
al-hamdu lillah
The phrase all praise to allah in Arabic is الحمد لله (al-hamdu lillah).
الحمد لله is an expression used to thank God or show gratitude for his blessings. It is also commonly used as a response to the question "How are you?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-hamdu (the praise) and lillah (for Allah/to Allah).
Which one should you use?
الحمد لله رب العالمين is a longer, more expansive version that translates to "All Praise to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the word lillah, the li- prefix functions as a preposition meaning "to" or "for", which is attached to the word "Allah".
How do you pronounce it?
al-hamdu lillah
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a person might say الحمد لله after finishing a large meal or even after sneezing, even if they are not specifically making a religious declaration.
- The word الحمد specifically refers to praise that is given out of love and respect, distinguishing it from الشكر (ash-shukr), which is simple gratitude for a specific favor.
- The phrase الحمد لله is often used as a social 'buffer' to deflect compliments. By saying it, the speaker attributes their success or beauty to God rather than accepting the praise for themselves.
Examples in context
- الحمد لله على كل حال.Al-hamdu lillahi 'ala kulli hal.All praise to Allah in every situation.
- لقد نجحت في الامتحان، الحمد لله.Laqad najahtu fi al-imtihan, al-hamdu lillah.I passed the exam, all praise to Allah.
- الحمد لله، أنا بخير الآن.Al-hamdu lillahi, ana bikhayr al-an.All praise to Allah, I am well now.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are talking after a long journey.
- أحمد Ahmedهل وصلتِ بسلام يا مريم؟Hal wasalti bi-salam ya Maryam?Did you arrive safely, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamنعم، الحمد لله.Na'am, al-hamdu lillah.Yes, all praise to Allah.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا سعيد جداً برؤيتكِ.Ana sa'id jiddan bi-ru'yatik.I am very happy to see you.
- مريم Maryamوأنا أيضاً يا أحمد.Wa ana aydan ya Ahmad.And me too, Ahmed.
