الحمد لله
al-ḥamdu lillāh
The English phrase 'praise be to allah' is expressed in Arabic as الحمد لله (al-ḥamdu lillāh).
This expression is used to thank God or show gratitude for his blessings. Muslims use it in many different contexts, such as after finishing a meal, after sneezing or when answering a question about how they are doing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of two parts: الْحَمْدُ (al-ḥamdu), which means 'the praise' and لِلَّٰهِ (lillāh), which is a combination of the preposition 'li' (for/to) and 'Allah' (God).
How do you pronounce it?
al-ḥamdu lillāh
Did you know?
- The phrase الحمد لله is frequently used by Arabic speakers of various faiths, including Christians, as a general expression of gratitude in daily conversation.
- When an Arabic speaker sneezes, they say الحمد لله, but the person hearing the sneeze is expected to respond with a specific phrase, يرحمكم الله, which means 'may God have mercy on you'.
- The first chapter of the Quran, the الفاتحة (Al-Fatihah), begins with these exact words, making it one of the most recited sentences in the world every single day.
Examples in context
- الحمد لله على كل حال.Al-hamdu lillahi 'ala kulli hal.Praise be to Allah in every situation.
- أنا بخير، الحمد لله.Ana bikhayr, al-hamdu lillah.I am fine, praise be to Allah.
- الحمد لله على سلامتك.Al-hamdu lillahi 'ala salamatik.Praise be to Allah for your safety.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad meet after a long time.
- سارة Saraكيف حالك يا زياد؟Kayfa hāluka yā Ziyād?How are you, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadالحمد لله، أنا بخير جداً.Al-hamdu lillāh, ana bikhayr jiddan.Praise be to Allah, I am very well.
- سارة Saraالحمد لله أنك بخير.Al-hamdu lillāh annaka bikhayr.Praise be to Allah that you are well.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا سارة.Shukran laki yā Sārah.Thank you, Sarah.
