al hamdulillâh                                   

al = the
hamd = praise, commendation, extolling the virtues of
u = suffix denoting that hamd is the subject of this phrase
li = to, for, unto, on account of
llâh = allâh
 

 All praise is for Allâh.

 All praise is to Allâh.

  (hw238)

allâhu akbar                                          

allâh = allâh
u = suffix denoting that allâh is the subject of this phrase
akbar = greater, greatest in estimation, rank or dignity; older, senior-ranking;

Allâh is great.

Allâh is most great.

Allâh is the greatest great.

(this phrase is called takbîr, meaning praise, glorification)    (hw949)

'astaghfirullâh                              

'asta = derived verb prefix which denotes seeking, asking
ghfir = forgiveness for past sins, or protection from future sins
u = suffix denoting that gfir is the subject of this phrase
-llâh = allâh

I am seeking forgiveness from Allâh.

I seek Allâh's protection from committing sins.

'astaghfirullâh is sometimes said in response to a compliment, as if to say Allah please protect me from pride and vanity.

(for more meanings of the root gh-f-r, see ghaffr on the wazifa page)   (hw793)

bismillâh ir-rahmân ir-rahîm   

bi = with, to for, in, through  
smi = distinguishing mark, name, light, vibration, essence
-llâh = allâh
ir = the
rahmân = most beneficent, merciful
ir = the
rahîm = most compassionate

In the name of Allâh, most beneficent and most compassionate.

For the glory of Allâh, most merciful and most compassionate.

With the guidance of Allâh, most beneficent and most compassionate.

 (for additional translations, see the bismillah page)  (hw504, 498, 384)

 

in-shâ'-llâh                

in = if
shâ' = wish, want
llâh = allâh

If Allâh wills (something). As Allah intends.

(said in referring to the future)

 

lâ hawla wa lâ quwwata illâ billâh      

lâ = no, not, none, neither
hawla = change, motion, transformation, power
wa = and
lâ = no, not, none, neither
quwwata = strength, power, potency, intensity
illâ = but, except
bi = with, to, for, in, through
llâh = allâh

There is no transformation or potency except through Allâh.

There is neither change nor power except through Allâh.

There is no power or strength except through Allâh.

see the tahwil page for more information

 

lâ ilâha illâ-llâh                    

lâ = no, not, none, neither
ilâha = god, deity, object of worship
illâ = but, except (illâ is a contraction of in-lâ, literally if not)
-llâh = allâh

 There is no deity other than Allâh.

 There is nothing to worship except Allâh.

 There is nothing to revere other than Allâh.

This phrase is often called the tahlîl and was given to us in the Qur'an 47:19. See the tahlil page for more information.

 

mâ-shâ'-llâh                                       

mâ; = what, whatever, that
shâ' = wish, want, willingness, intent
llâh = allâh

Common Usage: How wonderful are the works of Allâh.

Literally: Whatever Allâh has intended. That which Allâh has willed.

(often said when one witnesses something good)   (hw579)

 

subhâna -llâh                                         

subhân = praised, glory be to
-llâh = allâh

May Allâh be praised.

All glory be to Allâh.

 (for more insights, see the subhana allah web page)   (hw457)

 

subhâna wa ta'alâ                       

subhâna = praised, glory be to
wa = and
ta'alâ = be exalted, raised above, enthroned

 (Allâh is) Praised and exalted.
 

'ishq = unconditional love, divine love;
ma'bûd = beloved, worshiped, adored.

Literally, Allâh is Love, Allâh is Beloved.

Poetically interpreted by Hazrat Inayat Khan as: God is love, lover and beloved.

(hw719, 686)

See also: Glossary of terms used by Hazrat Inayat Khan