in Culture

Love ItLove It

In Conversation With A Muslim

254 Views 13 Votes 27 Comments

In recent months, there have have been many instances, when Muslims have been asked to leave the plane because they used Arabic phrases in their conversation. They were deemed a threat. Unfortunately, in today’s political climate, there is a lot of fear and mistrust and the only way to overcome it is to engage people of other faith, language and culture.

There are many phrases which Muslims all over the world use very commonly in their conversation. These words are in Arabic and it does not matter if it is a Chinese Muslim, an American Muslim, an Indian Muslim or a British Muslim, at one point or the other, they will speak these phrases.

Here’s a quiz to help you know these phrases better. You have to pick the correct phrase for the situation. I hope you will try it. Share your score and let me know if you are familiar with any of these phrases.

  • Question of

    In sha’ Allah: Translation is “God willing” — this phrase is used for planning things for the future. Muslims believe that anything planned will only happen by God’s will.

    • Is this your daughter? She is so cute.
    • The weather is lovely today and the flowers are blooming.
    • I will come visit you next week. See you soon.
  • Question of

    Subhan’Allah: Arabic version of Wow, used to express delight over something beautiful or some great news.

    • The weather is lovely today and the flowers are blooming.
    • I heard about the death of your grandfather.
    • My name is Umme Abdullah. I am pleased to meet you.
  • Question of

    Alhamdulillah: rough translation: All praise is for Allah—– Muslims use it when talking about their blessings.

    • I heard about the death of your grandfather. May Allah grant you patience and forgive the deceased.
    • I had been ill but now I am better
    • I will come visit you next week.
  • Question of

    Ma Sha’Allah: It is used when praising something and recognizing the fact that only God could have created such perfection.

    • Your baby is so cute!
    • Thank you so much for your help
    • I am pleased to meet you
  • Question of

    Jazāk Allāhu Khayran: A rough equivalent of Thank You, this phrase is an expression of gratitude and means “May Allah reward you with goodness or the best.”

    • Let’s start the dinner
    • I am very pleased to meet you.
    • I could not have done it without your help.
  • Question of

    As Salamu alaikum: This is the way Muslims greet other (an Arabic version of hello/hi). Rough translation is “peace be upon you.”

    • I am very pleased to meet you.
    • Let’s start dinner
    • Your baby is so cute!
  • Question of

    Innalilahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon: Translation: To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. It is actually a Qur’anic verse spoken in times of sorrow or condolence, at someone’s death or any tragic loss.

    • The weather is lovely today and the flowers are blooming.
    • I heard about the death of your grandfather.
    • I will come visit you next week.
  • Question of

    Bismillah: Before starting any task, Muslims often say Bismillah meaning, “I start this action accompanied by the name of Allah or seeking help through the name of Allah, seeking blessings thereby.

    • Let’s start dinner
    • Our plane will land at 7 pm
    • I am feeling much better now.

Report

What do you think?

13 Points

Browse and manage your votes from your Member Profile Page

Written by Dawnwriter

27 Comments

    • Let’s see if this helps Carol:

      Here’s how a conversation with a Muslim might sound like:

      Assalamu alaikum. (Hello) How are you?

      Alhamdulillah, (By God’s Grace)I am fine.

      Is this your daughter? Masha’Allah, (oh wow) she is so cute!

      Subhan’Allah, (Praise to God) the weather is lovely today and the flowers are blooming.

      In sha’ Allah, (God willing) I will come visit you next week.

      I heard about the death of your grandfather. Innalilahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon.(To God we belong and to Him we shall return)

      🙂

  16. Nicely done. I was familiar with all of these expressions, both from studying the language in university, and from living in an area of London with many Muslim neighbours for several years 🙂