اللہ
AllahMuslim, most common
In Pakistan, where most people are Muslim, the word for God is اللہ (Allah). The Persian-origin خدا (Khuda) is used just as often in everyday speech and poetry. It is also called خداوند (Khudawand).
Meaning: the Supreme Being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Pakistan | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| اللہ | Allah | Muslim, most common |
| خدا | Khuda | Persian origin, general |
| خداوند | Khudawand | Christian usage |
Speakers say اللہ (Allah) in prayers and blessings, and خدا (Khuda) in sayings such as خدا کی قسم (Khuda ki qasam), "I swear by God".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pakistani Christians say خداوند (Khudawand) for "Lord", and Hindus in Pakistan say بھگوان (Bhagwan) or ایشور (Ishwar). Urdu speakers use all of these.
When do people say it?
Urdu has a large number of phrases that name God, like انشاء اللہ (inshallah), "God willing", and ماشاء اللہ (mashallah), "as God wished".
Did you know?
- The word خدا (Khuda) comes from Persian and literally means "self-existing", and it entered Urdu through centuries of Persian influence in South Asia.
Examples in context
- اللہ سب کا نگہبان ہے۔Allah sab ka nigahban hai.God is the protector of all.
- خدا کی قسم، میں سچ کہہ رہا ہوں۔Khuda ki qasam, main sach keh raha hoon.By God, I am telling the truth.
- انشاء اللہ ہم کل ملیں گے۔inshallah hum kal milenge.God willing, we will meet tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends, Omar and Talha, talk about tomorrow's plans after the evening prayer in Lahore.
- Omarکل ملیں گے؟kal milenge?Shall we meet tomorrow?
- Talhaانشاء اللہ، صبح دس بجے۔inshallah, subah das baje.God willing, at ten in the morning.
- Omarٹھیک ہے، خدا حافظ۔theek hai, Khuda hafiz.Okay, goodbye.
