الله معي
Allah ma'i
The phrase 'God is with me' in Arabic is الله معي (Allah ma'i).
The phrase is used to express a sense of divine support, protection or reassurance during difficult times.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God) and ma'i (with me).
Which one should you use?
الله معي translates to 'God is with me', while the informal phrase ربنا جنبي translates to 'Our Lord is beside me'.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah ma'i
Did you know?
- Arabic contains many terms for the divine, but الله is used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Muslims alike when referring to God.
- The word الله shares a common Proto-Semitic ancestor with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ ('elōah'), making them ancient linguistic cousins.
- In many Arabic-speaking-cultures, saying الله معي is not just a statement of belief but can function as a way to calm oneself or others during a moment of sudden panic or fear.
Examples in context
- لا تقلق، الله معي.la taqlaq, allah ma'i.Do not worry, God is with me.
- سأنجح لأن الله معي.sa-anjah li'anna allah ma'i.I will succeed because God is with me.
- أنا لست خائفاً، الله معي.ana lastu kha'ifan, allah ma'i.I am not afraid, God is with me.
Example conversation
Maryam is feeling nervous before a big exam and Omar is comforting her.
- مريم Maryamأنا قلقة جداً من الامتحان يا عمر.Ana qaliqa jiddan min al-imtihan ya Omar.I am very worried about the exam, Omar.
- عمر Omarلا تقلقي، لقد درستِ جيداً.La taqlaqi, laqad darasti jayyidan.Don't worry, you have studied well.
- مريم Maryamأتمنى التوفيق، الله معي.Atamanna at-tawfiq, Allah ma'i.I hope for success, God is with me.
- عمر Omarنعم، ستكونين بخير بالتأكيد.Na'am, satakunina bikhayr bi-ta'kid.Yes, you will definitely be fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
