Islamic Glossary: Common Expressions

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This page lists some of the most common expressions used by Muslims in everyday speech and their meanings. Since, actually, there are supplications and prayers for each and every state and situation in the life of a Muslim, this page is by no means exhaustive or comprehensive. 

	as-salaamu 'alaykum - the greeting used specially among Muslims - "Peace be upon you," with the reply:
	wa-'alaykum-us-salaam - "And upon you (also) be peace." - the reply to a greeting among Muslims.
	al-hamdu lillaah - "All praise is due to Allah." Said in all situations of happiness or disappointment to express one's contentment, satisfaction, and/or thankfulness with the decree of Allah. Also, it is said when one sneezes, in reply to which others say: yarhamukallaah - "Allah have mercy on you," in reply to which one says: yahdeekumullaahu wa yuslihu baalakum - "Allah guide you and increase you in health."
	Allaahu akbar - "Allah is the greatest."
	inshaa-Allaah - "If Allah wills." This is said when expressing a hope or intention to do something or have something done in the future.
	subhaan-Allaah - "Glorified be Allah."

In respect of prophets, scholars, and pious Muslims of old, the following phrases are said after mentioning the name of one of these:

	sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - "Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him." Must be read after the name of the Prophet Muhammad , based on the command of Allah in the Qur'an and upon many traditions of the Holy Prophet .
	'alayhis-salaam / 'alayhas-salaam / 'alayhimas-salaam / 'alayhimu-salaam - "Peace be upon him / her / both of them / all of them." Read after the names of the prophets, angels, and certain pious women. Again, a practice derived from the Qur'an and traditions of the Prophet .
	radiyallaahu 'anhu / ... 'anha / ... 'anhuma / ... 'anhum - "Allah be pleased with him / her / both of them / all of them." Read after the name of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad .
	rahmatullaahi 'alayhi / ... 'alayha / ... 'alayhima / ... 'alayhim - "Allah's mercy be upon him / her / both of them / all of them." Read after the name of a pious Muslim of preceding times, great scholars, etc.

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