بفضل الله
bifadl Allah
The phrase 'by god's grace' in Arabic is بفضل الله (bifadl Allah).
This phrase is used to attribute a positive outcome, success or achievement to the favor and mercy of God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition bi- (by/with), the noun fadl (grace/favor/bounty) and Allah (God).
How do you pronounce it?
bifadl Allah
Did you know?
- Using بفضل الله is a cultural tool for 'social hedging', where a speaker deflects a compliment to maintain modesty and avoid the 'evil eye'.
- The name for God in this phrase, الله, shares an ancient linguistic DNA with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ, 'Eloah'. Both words descend from the same Proto-Semitic root used for centuries across the Middle East.
- While fadl translates to 'grace' or 'favor', it can also be used in a mathematical or physical context to describe 'surplus' or 'extra' amount.
Examples in context
- بفضل الله، وبنعمته، نحن نستمتع بصحة جيدة وعائلة محبة.By God's grace and blessings, we enjoy good health and a loving family.
- لقد نجحت في الامتحان بفضل الله.Laqad najhtu fi al-imtihan bi fadli Allah.I passed the exam by God's grace.
- عاد المريض إلى بيته بفضل الله.Ada al-marid ila baytihi bi fadli Allah.The patient returned to his home by God's grace.
- تحسنت حالتي الصحية بفضل الله.Tahassanat halati al-sihiya bi fadli Allah.My health has improved by God's grace.
Example conversation
Maryam is congratulating Omar on his new job.
- مريم Maryamهل حصلت على الوظيفة الجديدة يا عمر؟Hal hasalta ala al-wadifa al-jadida ya Omar?Did you get the new job, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، حصلت عليها بفضل الله.Na'am, hasaltu aliha bi fadli Allah.Yes, I got it by God's grace.
- مريم Maryamهذا خبر رائع حقاً، مبارك لك.Hadha khabar rai' haqan, mubarak lak.That is truly wonderful news, congratulations to you.
- عمر Omarشكراً لكِ يا مريم.Shukran laki ya Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, بفضل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
