شفاك الله
Shafaka Allah
The phrase "may allah give you shifa" is translated into Arabic as شفاك الله (Shafaka Allah).
This phrase is used specifically when someone is ill or recovering from an injury.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb shafa (to heal), the suffix -ka (you, masculine) and Allah (God).
Which one should you use?
شفاك الله is a specific prayer for healing, whereas Salamatak is a more general "get well soon" or "safety to you".
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female instead of a male, the suffix changes from -ka to -ki (شفاكِ الله). To address a group of people (plural), the suffix changes to -kum (شفاكم الله).
How do you pronounce it?
Shafaka Allah
When do people say it?
A common response to this prayer is آمين (Ameen).
Did you know?
- The word shifa does not just refer to medicine but is used in the Quran to describe the healing power of honey and divine revelation.
- The word الله is theorized to be a contraction of al-ilāh, combining the definite article al with the word for 'the deity'.
- In some cultures, saying شفاك الله is often accompanied by the physical gesture of placing a hand on the sick person's forehead or shoulder.
Examples in context
- أسأل الله الشفاء لك يا أحمدI pray to Allah for your healing, O Ahmed.
- ربنا يشفيك يا أختيMay our Lord heal you, my sister.
- شفاك الله يا أخي.shafaka Allahu ya akhi.May Allah give you shifa, my brother.
- سمعت أنك مريض، شفاك الله.sami'tu annaka marid, shafaka Allah.I heard you are sick, may Allah give you shifa.
Example conversation
Omar visits Maryam at her home because she is unwell.
- عمر Omarكيف حالك اليوم يا مريم؟kayfa haluki al-yawma ya Maryam?How are you today, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamأنا متعبة قليلاً.ana mut'aba qalilan.I am a little tired.
- عمر Omarشفاك الله يا مريم.shafaki Allahu ya Maryam.May Allah give you shifa, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamآمين، شكراً لك يا عمر.amin, shukran laka ya Omar.Amen, thank you, Omar.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
