حفظهم الله
Hafidhahum Allah
The English phrase 'may allah protect them' is translated into Arabic as حفظهم الله (Hafidhahum Allah).
حفظهم الله is a prayer or wish asking God to keep certain people safe from harm. It is commonly used when speaking about a group of people, such as a family, a community or a group of soldiers, to express a sincere prayer for their safety.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the target from 'them' to 'her' or 'it' (feminine), change the suffix to '-ha' (حفظها الله).
How do you pronounce it?
Hafidhahum Allah
Did you know?
- The word حفظ (hifz), which forms the core of this phrase, also refers to the act of 'memorizing' or 'preserving' something in one's heart, such as the Quran.
- The word الله shares a common ancestral root with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah), meaning they are linguistic cousins from the same ancient Semitic family.
- In many Arabic dialects, this phrase functions more like a polite social formula than a literal request for divine intervention, similar to saying 'God bless' in English.
Examples in context
- حفظهم الله من كل شر.hafidahum Allahu min kulli sharr.May Allah protect them from all evil.
- إنهم مسافرون، حفظهم الله.innahum musafirun, hafidahum Allah.They are traveling, may Allah protect them.
- حفظهم الله في رحلتهم.hafidahum Allah fi rihlatihim.May Allah protect them on their journey.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are talking about their siblings traveling abroad.
- أحمد Ahmedأخي وأختي في المطار الآن.Akhi wa ukhti fil-matar al-aan.My brother and sister are at the airport now.
- مريم Maryamحفظهم الله في سفرهم.Hafidahum Allah fi safarihim.May Allah protect them on their trip.
- أحمد Ahmedآمين، شكراً لكِ يا مريم.Ameen, shukran laki ya Maryam.Amen, thank you, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamلا شكر على واجب.La shukra ala wajib.You are very welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
