اللهم قوني
Allahumma qawwini
The English phrase "allah give me strength" is translated into Arabic as اللهم قوني (Allahumma qawwini).
اللهم قوني is used as a personal prayer (du'a) when a person is facing hardship, exhaustion or a daunting task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: اللهم, which is a vocative form meaning "O Allah" and قوني, which means "strengthen me". The word قوني is formed from the verb qawwa (to strengthen) and the suffix -ni (me).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative mood to express a supplication or prayer.
How do you pronounce it?
Allahumma qawwini
Did you know?
- The word اللهم is an ancient form of address that is no longer productive in modern Arabic. Its unique ending is a fossilized remnant that allows the speaker to call upon God without using the standard vocative particle يا.
- The phrase اللهم قوني is a form of du'a, which is a personal, spontaneous supplication. This differs from salat, which refers to the structured, obligatory ritual prayers performed five times a day.
- In Arabic, the act of asking for strength through قوني can refer to physical power, emotional resilience or the spiritual fortitude to resist temptation.
Examples in context
- اللهم قوني في هذا العمل الشاق.Allahumma qawwini fi hadha al-'amal al-shaq.Allah, give me strength in this hard work.
- اللهم قوني على تجاوز هذه المحنة.Allahumma qawwini 'ala tajawuz hadhihi al-mihna.Allah, give me strength to overcome this ordeal.
- اللهم قوني لأرعى أطفالي الصغار.Allahumma qawwini li-ar'a atfali al-sighar.Allah, give me strength to care for my small children.
Example conversation
Ahmed is feeling exhausted after a long day at work and speaks to Maryam.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا متعب جداً، اللهم قوني.Ana mut'ab jiddan, Allahumma qawwini.I am very tired, Allah give me strength.
- مريم Maryamكان يوماً طويلاً، أليس كذلك يا أحمد؟Kana yawman tawilan, alaysa kadhalika ya Ahmed?It was a long day, wasn't it, Ahmed?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، أحتاج إلى الراحة الآن.Na'am, ahtaju ila al-raha al-an.Yes, I need to rest now.
- مريم Maryamارتح قليلاً، وسوف تشعر بتحسن.Irtah qalilan, wa sawfa tash'ur bi-tahassun.Rest a little, and you will feel better.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries اللهم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
