What does it mean word for word?
The phrase بارك الله فيهم (Barak Allahu fihim) is composed of the verb 'baraka' (to bless), 'Allah' (God), 'fi' (in/upon) and 'him' (them).
Which one should you use?
While بارك الله فيهم is a formal way to say 'May Allah bless them', you might also see أدام الله عليهم البركة which specifically means 'May Allah keep the blessing upon them'. In informal settings, you might use الله يبارك فيهم ('May Allah bless them') or ربنا يبارك فيهم ('May our Lord bless them').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, you may hear ربنا يديم عليهم البركة, meaning 'May our Lord maintain the blessing upon them'. In Gulf Arabic, the expression الله لا يحرمنا من بركتهم is used, which means 'May Allah never deprive us of their blessings'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix '-him' in بارك الله فيهم specifically refers to a masculine or mixed-gender group of people. If you are referring specifically to an all-female group, you should use the form بارك الله فيهن (Baraka Allahu fihinna).
How do you pronounce it?
Barak Allahu fihim
Did you know?
- Some scholars believe the word الله is a contraction of الٱِلٰه (al-ilāh), meaning 'the deity', where the initial sound was lost after adding the definite article.
- While the phrase is a prayer, it is often used as a social lubricant to acknowledge a kindness or a favor in a way that sounds more traditional than a simple 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- بارك الله فيهم جميعاً.bārak Allāhu fīhim jamī'an.May Allah bless them all.
- هم ناس طيبون، بارك الله فيهم.hum nās tayyibūn, bārak Allāhu fīhim.They are good people, may Allah bless them.
- ساعدوني كثيراً، بارك الله فيهم.sā'adūnī kathīran, bārak Allāhu fīhim.They helped me a lot, may Allah bless them.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are discussing their helpful neighbors.
- نور Nourجيراننا دائماً يساعدوننا.jīrānunā dā'iman yusā'idūnanā.Our neighbors always help us.
- زياد Ziadنعم، بارك الله فيهم.na'am, bārak Allāhu fīhim.Yes, may Allah bless them.
- نور Nourنحن محظوظون بوجودهم.nahnu mahdhūzūn bi-wujūdihim.We are lucky to have them.
- زياد Ziadحقاً، بارك الله فيهم.haqqan, bārak Allāhu fīhim.Truly, may Allah bless them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, بارك, CC BY-SA 4.0.
