الله حافظ
Allāh ḥāfiẓ
The phrase allah hafiz in Pashto is used to say goodbye.
This phrase is used specifically when departing or ending a conversation, similar to "goodbye" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'Allah' (God) and 'hafiz' (protector/guardian), literally meaning "God be the protector".
Which one should you use?
While الله حافظ is common, خدا حافظ is a very similar alternative used in many Pashto-speaking regions, with خدا being a Persian-origin word for God.
How do you pronounce it?
Allāh ḥāfiẓ
Did you know?
- While allah hafiz is a common parting, it is often accompanied by a hand placed over the heart as a gesture of sincerity and respect.
- Despite being used in Pashto, allah hafiz is a pan-Islamic parting used across diverse languages from Urdu to Persian and Swahili.
- The term حافظ is also a formal title in Islamic scholarship for someone who has memorized the entire Quran, adding a layer of profound spiritual weight to the parting phrase.
Examples in context
- الله حافظ.Allah hafiz.Allah hafiz.
Example conversation
Ahmad and Maryam are leaving a small gathering.
- احمد Ahmedمریم، نن ډېره ښه وخت مې تېر کړ.Maryam, nan dera kha wakht me ter kr.Maryam, I had a very good time today.
- مریم Maryamهو، ډېره ښه وه، الله حافظ.Ho, dera kha wa, Allah hafiz.Yes, it was very good, Allah hafiz.
- احمد Ahmedالله حافظ، په خیر لاړ شې.Allah hafiz, pa khair laar she.Allah hafiz, go in peace.
- مریم Maryamمننه، الله حافظ.Manana, Allah hafiz.Thank you, Allah hafiz.
