New Muslim path
The Phrasebook
Nobody teaches converts the social side: the greetings, the replies, the little phrases that carry Muslim life. Here they all are. Learn the first three and you can hold your own in any mosque on earth.
As-salamu alaykum
Peace be upon you
When · The universal greeting, on arriving, leaving, answering the phone. Say it first; the Prophet ﷺ said the better of two people is the one who greets first.
Reply · Wa alaykum as-salam (and upon you be peace), or add: wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (and His mercy and blessings).
Bismillah
In the name of Allah
When · Before starting anything: eating, drinking, driving, working. Turns the ordinary into worship.
Alhamdulillah
All praise is for Allah
When · On good news, after eating, after sneezing, and in answer to "how are you?". Also said in hardship: praise in all states.
Reply · If someone sneezes and says it, you reply: Yarhamukallah (may Allah have mercy on you). They respond: Yahdikumullah (may Allah guide you).
Insha'Allah
If Allah wills
When · Attached to anything in the future: "See you tomorrow, insha'Allah." A humility about time the Quran itself commands (18:23-24).
Masha'Allah
What Allah has willed
When · On seeing something beautiful or admirable: a baby, an achievement, a garden. Expresses admiration while crediting the Giver.
SubhanAllah
Glory be to Allah
When · At anything astonishing: a sunset, a coincidence, a kindness. Also repeated 33 times after prayer as dhikr.
Allahu Akbar
Allah is Greatest
When · Within prayer at every movement, and in life at moments of awe. Whatever just happened, He is greater.
Jazakallahu khayran
May Allah reward you with good
When · The fuller thank-you, used where "thanks" feels too small.
Reply · Wa iyyak (and you too), or wa iyyakum for a group.
Astaghfirullah
I seek Allah's forgiveness
When · After a slip, an unkind word, a missed prayer, or just habitually; the Prophet ﷺ said it over seventy times a day.
La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
There is no power nor strength except through Allah
When · In difficulty, frustration, or facing something too big for you. The Prophet ﷺ called it a treasure from Paradise.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
To Allah we belong, and to Him we return
When · On hearing of a death or any loss, big or small. The Muslim response to grief.
Fi amanillah
In Allah's protection
When · A farewell: saying goodbye to a traveller or at a parting.
Barakallahu feek
May Allah bless you
When · A warm thanks or congratulation. Common reply to almost any kindness.
Reply · Wa feek barakallah (and may He bless you).
Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum
May Allah accept from us and from you
When · The Eid greeting, exchanged after Ramadan and Hajj season. "Eid Mubarak" (blessed Eid) works everywhere too.
Reply · The same phrase back, or simply: Eid Mubarak.
Ameen
Answer this prayer
When · After a du'a, yours or anyone's, and aloud after the imam finishes Al-Fatiha in congregation. Cognate of "amen".
Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam
May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him
When · Said whenever the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned; written as ﷺ. A small act of love commanded in the Quran (33:56).
Want these as practice cards? Try flashcards, or go deeper with du'as for every occasion.