Common Islamic Terminologies

The use of Islamic Terminology in our daily affairs is something we all indulge in, though largely unconciously, since it is a way of communicating that is ingrained in us, as intrinsically as manners and character are..

• AL-HAMDU LILLAHI RABBIL 'ALAMINThis is a verse from the Qur'an that we recite and say many times per day. Other than being recited daily during prayers, a mumineen reads this expression in every activity of his daily life.
  The meaning of it is: "Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds."
  A mumineen invokes the praises of Allah before he does his daily work; and when he finishes, he thanks Allah for His favors. We are grateful to Allah for all His blessings. It is a statement of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude from the creature to his Creator.
  
• ALLAHU AKBARThis statement is said numerous times. During the call for prayer, during prayer, when we are happy, and wish to express our approval of what we hear, when we sacrifice an animal, and when we want to praise a speaker. It is the most often repeated expression in the world.
  Its meaning: "Allah is the Greatest."
  A mumineen praises Allah in every aspect of life.
  
• ASSALAMU ALAIKUMThis is an expression Muslims say whenever we meet one another. It is a statement of greeting with peace.
  The meaning of it is: "Peace be upon you."
  The other forms are: "Assalamu 'Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah," which means:"May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you," and "Assalamu Alalikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatohu," which means :"May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you."
  
• WA 'ALAIKUM AS-SALAMThis is an expression that a Muslim is to say as an answer for the greeting. When a person greets another with a salutation of peace, the answer for the greeting is an answer of peace.
  The meaning of this statement is: "And upon you is the peace."
  The other expressions are: " Wa Alaikum as-Salam Wa Rahmatullah." and "Wa 'Alaikum as-Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh."
  
• LA ILAHA ILLALLAHThis expression is the most important one in Islam. It is the creed that every person has to say to be considered a Muslim.
  The meaning of this statement is: " There is no god except Allah."
  
• SUBHANAHU WA TA'ALAThis is an expression that is used whenever the name of Allah is pronounced or written.
  The meaning of this expression is: "Allah is pure of having partners and He is exalted from having a son."
  We believe that Allah is the only God, the Creator of the Universe. He does not have partners or children. Sometimes Muslims use other expressions when the name of Allah is written or pronounced. Some of which are: "'Azza Wa Jall": He is the Mighty and the Majestic; "Jalla Jalalahu": He is the exalted Majestic.
  S.W.T. These letters are abbreviations for the words of "Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala".
  
• ASTAGHFIRULLAHThis is an expression used when we want to ask Allah's forgiveness.
  The meaning of it is: "I ask Allah for forgiveness."
  A Muslim says this phrase many times, even when he is talking to another person. When a Muslim abstains from doing wrong, or even when he wants to prove that he is innocent of an incident he uses this expression. After every Salah (prayer), mumineen perform a tesbih on this word.
  
• SADAQALLAHUL 'AZIMThis is a statement of truth that we say after reading any number of verses from the Qur'an.
  The meaning of it is: "Allah says the truth."
  The Qur'an is the exact words of Allah in verbatim. When Allah speaks, He says the truth; and when the Qur'an is being recited, a Muslim is reciting the words of truth of Allah.
  
• IN SHA' ALLAHWhen a person wishes to plan for the future, when he promises, when he makes resolutions, and when he makes a pledge, he makes them with permission and the will of Allah. For this reason, we use the Qur'anic instructions by saying "In Sha ' Allah."
  The meaning of this statement is: "If Allah wills."
  We are to strive hard and to put our trust in Allah. We leave the results in the hands of Allah.
  
• INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI'UNWhen a Muslim is struck with a calamity, when he loses one of his loved ones, or when he has gone bankrupt, he should be patient and say this statement.
  The meaning of it is : "We are from Allah and to whom we are returning."
  We believe that Allah is the One who gives and it is He who takes away. He is testing us. Hence, a Muslim submits himself to Allah. He is grateful and thankful to Allah for whatever he gets. On the other hand, he is patient and says this expression in times of turmoil and calamity.
  
• JAZAKALLAHU KHAYRANThis is a statement of thanks and appreciation to be said to the person who does a favor. Instead of saying "thanks" (Shukran), the Islamic statement of thanks is to say this phrase.
  Its meaning is: "May Allah reward you best"
  It is understood that human beings can't repay one another enough. Hence, it is better to request Almighty Allah to reward the person who did a favor and to give him the best.
  
• MA SHA' ALLAH
  This is an expression that is used whenever we are excited and surprised or to express our happiness.
  The meaning of "Ma sha' Allah" is: "Whatever Allah wants." or "Whatever Allah wants to give, He gives."
  This means that whenever Allah gives something good to someone, blesses him, honors him, and opens the door of success in business, a Muslim says this statement of "Ma Sha' Allah."
  
  
  Source : Saifee Surka email on common forum