الله يرحمه
Allah yarhamuh
The English phrase 'God rest his soul' is translated into Arabic as الله يرحمه (Allah yarhamuh).
This phrase is used to express a wish for peace or mercy for a person who has died. It is commonly used immediately after mentioning the name of a person who has passed away. Unlike in English, where 'God rest his soul' might be used as a standalone expression of sympathy, Arabic speakers often integrate this phrase directly into the sentence describing the person's death.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'May God have mercy on him'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender and number of the deceased person. To express the same sentiment for a female deceased person, use الله يرحمها. To express the same sentiment for a group of deceased people, use the plural form الله يرحمهم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah yarhamuh
Did you know?
- Applying the phrase to someone who is still alive can be perceived as a dark joke or even a subconscious wish for that person's death.
- The word رحمة meaning 'mercy' in this phrase carries a deeper connotation of a protective and enveloping compassion, similar to the feeling of a womb.
- While the phrase is used by Muslims, it is also frequently used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews to honor the deceased, as the word الله is used as a generic term for God in many dialects.
Examples in context
- We express our condolences on the passing of John Smith, رحمه الله.We express our condolences on the passing of John Smith, God rest his soul.
- I heard the news about your uncle, رحمه الله.I heard the news about your uncle, God rest his soul.
- الله يرحمه، كان رجلاً طيباً.Allah yarhamoh, kana rajulan tayyiban.God rest his soul, he was a good man.
- سمعت الخبر الحزين، الله يرحمه.Sami'tu al-khabar al-hazin, Allah yarhamoh.I heard the sad news, God rest his soul.
- كان جاري العزيز، الله يرحمه.Kana jari al-aziz, Allah yarhamoh.He was my dear neighbor, God rest his soul.
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are talking about a mutual friend who passed away.
- ليلى Laylaلقد توفي صديقنا القديم اليوم.Laqad tuwuffiya sadiquna al-qadim al-yawm.Our old friend passed away today.
- عمر Omarيا له من خبر محزن، الله يرحمه.Ya lahu min khabar muhzin, Allah yarhamoh.What sad news, God rest his soul.
- ليلى Laylaنعم، لقد كان شخصاً رائعاً.Na'am, laqad kana shakhsan ra'i'an.Yes, he was a wonderful person.
- عمر Omarسأدعو له دائماً.Sa-ad'u lahu da'iman.I will always pray for him.
