Towards Understanding Islam
Islamic Sayings

       One of the greatest virtues in Islam is zikr, the remembrance of God.  Muslims strive spiritually to be aware of the presence and existence of Allah, and to always be God-conscious.  A good Muslim will, for example, say a short prayer at the beginning, end, and in the midst of his or her meal.  When going to bed at night, Muslims will typically bear in mind that they will awaken from their sleep only by the grace of the Almighty Himself.  It is hoped that an individual will in practice become a powerful tool for the propagation of welfare and justice in the community when such remembrance becomes ingrained in one's soul.  Accordingly, it is the practice of every Muslim to utter short prayers and sayings throughout the course of the day in order to instill taqwaa, God-consciousness, into his or her being.

Muslims say...

  • Bis-Mil-Laa, in the name of Allah, when starting something.

  • Us-Sa-Laamu-'Alay-Kum, may peace be upon you, when meeting another Muslim.  AND

  • Wa-'Alay-Kum-Us-Sa-Laam, and may peace be upon you as well, in reply.

  • In-Sha-Allah, if Allah wishes, when speaking about the future.

  • Sub-Haan-Allah, glory be to Allah, when praising someone.

  • Maa-Sha-Allah, what Allah likes, in appreciation of something.

  • Fee-Amaan-Allah, in the protection of Allah, when seeing someone off.

  • Jazak-Allah-Khay-Run, may Allah give you the best reward, when thanking someone.

  • Thawak-Kalthu-'Alal-Laa, I rely on Allah, when solving a problem.

  • Laa-Ilaa-Ha-Il-Allah, there is no god but Allah, when getting up in the morning.

  • Ul-Humdu-Lil-Laa, praise be to Allah, when you sneeze.  (Allah deserves praise under    all circumstances.)

  • Yar-Humuk-Allah, may Allah bless you, when you hear someone sneezes.

  • Aameen, accept our request, when joining in on a prayer.

  • Ya-Allah, O Allah, when in pain or distress.

  • Us-Thagh-Fir-Allah, O Allah forgive me, in repentance of a bad action.

  • N'au-Dhu-Billaa, we seek refuge in Allah, to show dislike of something.

  • In-Naa-Lillaa, we are from Allah, when hearing about the death of an individual.

Those who believe have hearts which find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah.  Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.  [The Holy Quran 13:28]

...And without doubt the remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing in life.  And Allah knows that which ye do.  [The Holy Quran 29:45]