والله خير الماكرين
wa-Allahu khayru al-makirin
The English phrase "allah is the best of planners" is translated into Arabic as والله خير الماكرين (wa-Allahu khayru al-makirin).
This phrase is used by Muslims to express trust in divine providence when facing adversity or human plots.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ, the word الماكرين is a sound masculine plural in the genitive case. This is indicated by the in ending, which occurs because it follows the word khayru (the best of…).
How do you pronounce it?
wa-Allahu khayru al-makirin
Did you know?
- In modern standard Arabic, the root of the word الماكرين (al-makirin) can carry a negative connotation of 'deceitful' or 'plotting' in secular contexts. However, in this specific religious phrase, it describes a divine wisdom that outmaneuvers the schemes of others.
- The prefix وَـ (wa-) at the beginning of the phrase does not mean 'and', but functions as a particle used to swear an oath. When you say this phrase, you are literally saying 'By Allah, He is the best of planners'.
- The word الله (Allah) shares the same linguistic root as the Hebrew 'Elohim' and the Aramaic 'Alaha'. This connects the phrase to a long Semitic tradition of naming the Divine.
Example conversation
Maryam is comforting Ziad after he missed a job opportunity.
- مريم Maryamأنا حزين لأنني لم أحصل على الوظيفة يا زياد.Ana hazin li'annani lam ahsul 'ala al-wadhifa ya Ziyad.I am sad that I didn't get the job, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadربما هذا ليس خيراً لك الآن.Rubbama hadha laysa khayran laka al-an.Maybe this is not the best for you right now.
- مريم Maryamلكنني خططت لكل شيء بدقة.Lakinnani khattattu li-kulli shay'in bi-diqqa.But I planned everything carefully.
- زياد Ziadتذكر دائماً أن والله خير الماكرين.Tadhakkar da'iman anna wa Allahu khayru al-makirin.Always remember that Allah is the best of planners.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries والله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
