al hamdulillâh   
 

al = the
hamd = praise, commendation, extolling the virtues of
u = suffix denoting that hamd is the subject of this phrase
li = to, for, unto, on account of
llâh = allâh
 

 All praise is for Allâh.

 All praise is to Allâh.

  (hw238)

allâhu akbar   
    

allâh = allâh
u = suffix denoting that allâh is the subject of this phrase
akbar = greater, greatest in estimation, rank or dignity; older, senior-ranking;

Allâh is great.

Allâh is most great.

Allâh is the greatest great.

(this phrase is called takbîr, meaning praise, glorification)    (hw949)

astaghfirullâh   
  

asta = derived verb prefix which denotes seeking, asking
ghfir = forgiveness for past sins, and/or protection from future sins
u = suffix denoting that ghfir is the subject of this phrase
-llâh = allâh

I am seeking forgiveness from Allâh.

I seek Allâh's protection from committing sins.

astaghfirullâh is sometimes said in response to a compliment, as if to say Allah please protect me from pride and vanity.

Please see ghaffr on the wazifa page for more meanings of the root gh-f-r.   (hw793)

bismillâh ir-rahmân ir-rahîm   
 

bi = with, to for, in, through  
smi = distinguishing mark, name, light, vibration, essence
-llâh = allâh
ir = the
rahmân = most beneficent, merciful
ir = the
rahîm = most compassionate

In the name of Allâh, most beneficent and most compassionate.

For the glory of Allâh, most merciful and most compassionate.

With the guidance of Allâh, most beneficent and most compassionate.

 Please see the bismillah page for further details.  (hw504, 498, 384)

 

in-shâ'-llâh   

in = if
shâ' = wish, want
llâh = allâh

If Allâh wills (something). As Allah intends.

(said in referring to the future)

 

lâ hawla wa lâ quwwata illâ billâh 
    

lâ = no, not, none, neither
hawla = change, motion, transformation, power
wa = and
lâ = no, not, none, neither
quwwata = strength, power, potency, intensity
illâ = but, except
bi = with, to, for, in, through
llâh = allâh

There is no transformation or potency except through Allâh.

There is neither change nor power except through Allâh.

There is no power or strength except through Allâh.

Please see the tahwil page for more information

 

lâ ilâha illâ-llâh      

lâ = no, not, none, neither
ilâha = god, deity, object of worship
illâ = but, except (illâ is a contraction of in-lâ, literally if not)
-llâh = allâh

 There is no deity other than Allâh.

 There is nothing to worship except Allâh.

 There is nothing to revere other than Allâh.

This phrase is often called the tahlîl and was given to us in the Qur'an 47:19.

Please see the tahlil page for more information.

 

mâ-shâ'-llâh         

mâ; = what, whatever, that
shâ' = wish, want, willingness, intent
llâh = allâh

Common Usage: How wonderful are the works of Allâh.

Literally: Whatever Allâh has intended. That which Allâh has willed.

(often said when one witnesses something good)   (hw579)

 

subhâna -llâh        
   

subhân = praised, glory be to; all-perfect, all-pure, all-glorious
-llâh = allâh

Holy is Allâh.

All glory be to Allâh.

Allâh is far from any imperfection.

a declaration (or celebration) of the absolute perfection (or glory) of Allâh.

   (see example of usage in Qur'an 23:91)     (hw457, ewl1290)

 

subhâna wa ta'alâ     
  

subhâna = praised, glory be to
wa = and
ta'alâ = be exalted, raised above, enthroned

 (Allâh is) Praised and exalted.
 

'ishq = unconditional love, divine love;
ma'bûd = beloved, worshiped, adored.

A mantra, literally saying that Allâh is Love, Allâh is Beloved. Poetically interpreted by Hazrat Inayat Khan as: God is love, lover and beloved.

(hw719, 686)

See also: Glossary of terms used by Hazrat Inayat Khan