Mashallah Meaning In English and Arabic Text
“Mashallah”, also spelled “Masha’Allah”, is a profound Arabic phrase that resonates with feelings of awe, wonder, and appreciation. It is a ubiquitous expression among Muslims and Arabs, used to acknowledge the beauty or majesty of a person, event, or circumstance.
In this article, we will delve into “Mashallah meaning” in English, its Arabic script, usage, and significance in the Quran and Sunnah.
Mashallah Meaning In English
The Arabic phrase Mashallah means what Allah has willed has happened. The most accurate way of representing the phrase in transliteration is ma sha Allah, which means, “What God has willed has happened.
“Mashallah” is a heartfelt expression used by Muslims to convey gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and good fortunes they receive.
It’s a way to acknowledge and respect the divine providence of Allah, recognizing that everything occurs according to His will and grace.
By saying “Mashallah”, we humble ourselves and express our thankfulness for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by the Creator of all things, Allah.
This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of our dependence on Allah’s mercy and generosity, fostering a sense of gratitude and awe in our daily lives.
MashAllah In Arabic Text
The correct way to write mashallah in Arabic is
مَا شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ
Alhamdulillah Mashallah in Arabic
Alhamdulillah and Mashallah is written in Arabic as
الحمدلله مَا شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ
What Does Mashallah Mean In The Quran?
MashAllah means what Allah willed has occurred. It is mentioned in Surah Kahf, verse 39. That is, the believer said to his disbelieving companion:
Although you boasted to me about your great wealth and many children, and you see that I have less wealth than you and fewer children, that which is with Allah is better and more lasting, and what is hoped for of His goodness and kindness is superior to everything in this world for which people compete.
Masha Allah Ayat In Quran
وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ دَخَلۡتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلۡتَ مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِۚ إِن تَرَنِ أَنَا۠ أَقَلَّ مِنكَ مَالًا وَوَلَدًا
Meaning In English: And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, ‘What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah’? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children.
Surah Kahf Verse 39
Imam Ibn Kathir said that here, the man was urging and encouraging him to say that, as if he was saying,
“When you entered your garden and looked at it and liked it, why wouldn’t you praise Allah for the blessings He gave you and the wealth and children that He has given to you and not to others! Why did you not say `That which Allah wills! There is no power but with Allah!”‘
One of the Salaf said, “Whoever is delighted with something in his circumstances or his wealth or his children, let him say, `That which Allah wills! There is no power but with Allah!”‘
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When to Say Mashallah?
“Mashallah” is a versatile phrase that can be used in various situations. It’s commonly exclaimed when someone receives a compliment, experiences something beautiful or pleasant, or achieves a milestone.
It’s also used to congratulate others, acknowledging that their success is ultimately a result of Allah’s will.
In some cultures, “Mashallah” is believed to offer protection from jealousy, the evil eye, or malevolent spirits.
According to Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, when we witness something remarkable or pleasing, we should say “Maashaa Allah Laa Quwwata illa billah” (Allah has willed it, there is no power except with Allah). This phrase acknowledges Allah’s sovereignty and grace.
If we encounter something amazing related to someone else’s wealth or blessings, we should say “Barakallahu Alaihi” (May Allah bless it for him) or a similar expression, invoking Allah’s continued blessings upon them.
By incorporating “Mashallah” into our daily language, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude, humility, and recognition of Allah’s omnipotence.
What is the appropriate response to “Mashallah”?
When someone says “Mashallah” to you, there isn’t one definitive reply. However, since they are sharing in your joy, accomplishment, or admiration, a fitting response is “Jazak Allahu Khayran” (May Allah reward you).
“Jazakallah” is a heartfelt dua (supplication) that acknowledges their kind words and invokes Allah’s blessings upon them. By responding with “Jazak Allahu Khayran”, you express gratitude for their goodwill and gesture, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation.
Mashallah vs Tabarakallah: What’s the Difference?
Mashallah and Tabarakallah share similar meanings, but their usage depends on the context. Tabarakallah means “May Allah bless” and is used when witnessing something amazing or pleasing outside of oneself. On the other hand, Mashallah means “What Allah has willed” and is used when experiencing something personally.
According to Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, when someone is amazed by their own wealth or blessings, they should say “Maashaa Allah Laa Quwwata illa billah” (Allah has willed it, there is no power except with Allah).
However, if they witness something remarkable in someone else, they should say “Barakallahu Alaihi” (May Allah bless it for him) or a similar expression.
In summary, Mashallah acknowledges Allah’s will in personal experiences, while Tabarakallah invokes Allah’s blessings on others.
By using these phrases appropriately, we cultivate a deeper connection with Allah and foster a sense of gratitude and community.
Inshallah vs Mashallah: Understanding the Difference
Inshallah and Mashallah are two Arabic phrases that are often confused with each other due to their similar sounds and meanings. However, there is a significant difference between them.
Inshallah, which means “if Allah wills it,” is used to express a wish or hope for a future outcome. It’s a way of acknowledging that the outcome is not in our hands, but in Allah’s.
On the other hand, Mashallah, which means “Allah has willed it,” is used to express appreciation and gratitude for something that has already occurred. It’s a way of recognizing that everything happens according to Allah’s plan and will.
To summarize:
- Inshallah: used to express a wish or hope for a future outcome (e.g., “I’ll see you tomorrow, inshallah.”)
- Mashallah: used to express gratitude and appreciation for something that has already happened (e.g., “Mashallah, you got the job!”)
By understanding the difference between these two phrases, we can use them appropriately and deepen our connection with Allah.
MashAllah In Hadith
Hudhaifah bin Yaman said: The Prophet SAW said, “Say not: ‘What Allah wills and so-and-so wills’, but say: ‘What Allah wills, and then what so-and-so wills’”
Abu Dawud with authentic Isnad. Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 783 In-book reference: Book 33, Hadith 30
Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah bless him, highlighted in his book Riyaadus-Saaliheen that saying “What Allah wills and so-and-so wills” is prohibited, as it implies equality between Allah’s will and human will.
Instead, the Prophet (SAW) guided us to say, “What Allah wills, and then what so-and-so wills,” emphasizing the sequential arrangement and superiority of Allah’s will.
This teaching has four levels:
- “What Allah alone wills,” which signifies surrendering all affairs to Allah, a statement universally accepted by Muslims.
- “What Allah wills, and then what so-and-so wills,” which is permissible and sequential.
- “What Allah wills and so-and-so wills,” which is prohibited, as it equates human will with Allah’s.
- “What Allah wills and then what so-and-so wills” with the letter Fa, which is a matter of contention, as it may not necessarily indicate a sequential arrangement.
The Prophet (SAW) taught us to guide others by explaining what is permissible when mentioning what is not. By doing so, we can move from prohibition to permissibility, opening doors to alternatives instead of shutting them.
