السلام عليك يا مريم
al-salaamu 'alayki ya Maryam
The English phrase "hail mary" is translated into Arabic as السلام عليك يا مريم (al-salaamu 'alayki ya Maryam).
السلام عليك يا مريم is used to refer to the Hail Mary prayer.
Meaning: prayer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Peace be upon you, O Mary".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase السلام عليك يا مريم, the form 'alayki uses the feminine singular second-person suffix -ki to address Mary.
How do you pronounce it?
al-salaamu 'alayki ya Maryam
Did you know?
- The name Maryam is shared by many cultures across the Middle East, and it is used by both Christians and Muslims. In the Quran, Mary is a highly revered figure mentioned more often than any other woman.
- The word سلام for 'peace' is a cognate with the Hebrew word shalom, reflecting the shared Semitic roots of the languages used in the original contexts of these prayers.
- While the English phrase 'Hail Mary' uses a greeting of honor, the Arabic translation السلام عليك uses the word for 'peace' as a fundamental greeting. In Arabic-speaking cultures, offering 'peace' is the standard way to begin almost any respectful interaction.
Examples in context
- يقرأ الكاهن السلام عليك يا مريم.yaqra'u al-kahen al-salamu 'alayki ya maryam.The priest recites the Hail Mary.
- علمتني جدتي السلام عليك يا مريم.allamatni jaddati al-salamu 'alayki ya maryam.My grandmother taught me the Hail Mary.
Example conversation
Ahmed is talking to Maryam about her faith.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تحبين صلاة السلام عليك يا مريم؟Hal tuhibbina salat al-salam alayki ya Maryam?Do you like the Hail Mary prayer?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنها تمنحني الكثير من السلام.Na'am, innaha tamnahuni al-kathir min al-salam.Yes, it gives me a lot of peace.
- أحمد Ahmedمتى تصلينها عادةً؟Mata tusallinaha 'adatan?When do you usually pray it?
- مريم Maryamأصليها كل ليلة قبل النوم.Usalliha kulla layla qabla al-nawm.I pray it every night before sleep.
