الله حافظ
Allāh ḥāfiẓ
The English phrase "allah hafiz" is translated into Arabic as الله حافظ (Allāh ḥāfiẓ).
الله حافظ is a parting phrase used to say goodbye. It carries the meaning "may God be your protector."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of الله (God) and حافظ (protector/guardian), literally translating to "God [is] protector".
Which one should you use?
While الله حافظ is a common parting phrase in many Muslim-majority cultures, مع السلامة (meaning "with peace") is the more standard and widely used Arabic expression for "goodbye" within the Arab world.
How do you pronounce it?
Allāh ḥāfiẓ
When do people say it?
This expression is used specifically as a parting phrase when leaving someone.
Did you know?
- Although it uses Arabic words, allah hafiz is used far more frequently in Persian and Urdu speaking regions than in the Arab world.
- The word حافظ (hafiz) is the same word used for someone who has memorised the entire Qur'an by heart. In many contexts, calling someone a 'Hafiz' is a title of high religious respect.
- The word الله is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word 'Eloah'. They both share a common ancestor in the ancient Proto-Semitic root *ʔil-.
Examples in context
- مع السلامة، الله حافظ.Ma'a as-salama, Allah hafiz.Goodbye, Allah hafiz.
- إلى اللقاء، الله حافظ.Ila al-liqa, Allah hafiz.See you later, Allah hafiz.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are leaving a coffee shop after meeting.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً يا يوسف، مع السلامة.Shukran ya Yusuf, ma'a as-salama.Thank you Yusuf, goodbye.
- يوسف Youssefالله حافظ يا ليلى.Allah hafiz ya Layla.Allah hafiz, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaإلى اللقاء في المرة القادمة.Ila al-liqa fi al-marra al-qadima.See you next time.
- يوسف Youssefإن شاء الله.In sha Allah.God willing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, حافظ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
