الحمد لله
al-hamdu lillah
The English phrase "thanks be to God" is translated into Arabic as الحمد لله (al-hamdu lillah).
الحمد لله is an expression used to show gratitude to God for a positive outcome or a general blessing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-hamdu, meaning "the praise" or "the thanks" and lillah, meaning "to God" or "for God".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the phrase الحَمْدُللَّهِ is used to say "Thanks be to God".
How do you pronounce it?
al-hamdu lillah
When do people say it?
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, this phrase is used reflexively in daily conversation by both Muslims and many non-Muslim-speaking Christians to acknowledge God's will or grace.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context and tone, الحمد لله can be used sarcastically to signal frustration when something has gone wrong, similar to saying 'Great, just great' in English.
- Even when someone is facing a difficult or tragic situation, they may say الحمد لله to express a stoic acceptance of their fate.
- The phrase الحمد لله can function as a complete sentence, serving as a standalone response to the question 'How are you?' to signal that one is doing well despite any hardships.
Examples in context
- الحمد لله، أنا بخير.al-ḥamdu lillāh, ana bi-khayr.Thanks be to God, I am well.
- الحمد لله على كل حال.al-ḥamdu lillāh 'alā kulli ḥāl.Thanks be to God in all circumstances.
- لقد نجحت في الامتحان، الحمد لله.laqad najaḥtu fī al-imtiḥān, al-ḥamdu lillāh.I passed the exam, thanks be to God.
Example conversation
Youssef and Sarah are talking about a health recovery.
- يوسف Youssefكيف حال صحتك الآن يا سارة؟kayfa ḥālu ṣiḥḥatiki al-ān yā sāra?How is your health now, Sarah?
- سارة Saraأنا أشعر بتحسن كبير، الحمد لله.ana ash‘uru bitaḥassun kabīr, al-hamdu lillāh.I feel much better, thanks be to God.
- يوسف Youssefهذا خبر رائع جداً.hādhā khabar rāʾi‘ jiddan.That is very wonderful news.
- سارة Saraشكراً لك يا يوسف.shukran laka yā yūsuf.Thank you, Youssef.
