What Does Mashallah And Inshallah Mean? When To Say?

mashallah and inshallah

Mashallah and Inshallah are the most famous and widely used Arabic phrases. You have probably come across them somewhere, whether in a hadith or in casual conversations where people say ‘Mashallah’ or ‘Inshallah’.

We commonly say ‘Mashallah’ to show appreciation and express our gratefulness while congratulating someone on their success.

And we say ‘Inshallah’ to express hope and invoke God’s will for success and blessings.

According to Islamic scholars, reciting “Mashallah” or “Inshallah” can help protect us from the evil eye, jinn, and jealousy.

Let’s say a friend shares some exciting news with you, like getting accepted into their dream university. You can respond by saying, ‘Mashallah! Congratulations on your acceptance. May your journey be filled with success and blessings, inshallah.'”

Here is the meaning of these two Arabic phrases Mashallah and Inshallah: 

Mashallah:

    • Origin: The term “Mashallah” is derived from Arabic and is widely used in Islamic cultures.
    • Meaning: It can be translated as “Allah has willed it” or “What Allah has willed.”
  • Examples:
    • Expressing appreciation or admiration: “Mashallah, your artwork is beautiful!”
    • Acknowledging God’s blessings or protection: “Mashallah, he recovered quickly from his illness.”
    • Protecting against the evil eye or envy: It is often said to prevent others from casting an envious glance at something good that has happened or that someone possesses.
    • Reacting to good news or positive events: “Mashallah, you got a promotion! Congratulations!”

Inshallah:

    • Origin: “Inshallah” is also derived from Arabic and is widely used in Muslim-majority regions.
    • Meaning: It can be translated as “If Allah wills” or “Allah willing.”
  • Examples:
    • Expressing hope, intention, or uncertainty: “I’ll meet you tomorrow, inshallah.”
    • Referring to future plans or outcomes: “Inshallah, we will have a successful business venture.”
    • Recognizing that ultimate control lies with God: “I will study hard, but in the end, the results are in Allah’s hands, inshallah.”
    • Accepting that outcomes are subject to God’s will: “We have applied for the job, and inshallah, we will get a positive response.”

We often say mashallah to express our gratitude towards a person for something good that happened to them. It’s basically an expression of appreciation. Muslim’s show their respect and keep in mind that everything happens according to God’s plan.

Mashallah Inshallah
Arabic: ماشاء الله Arabic: إن شاء الله
Urdu: ماشاء اللہ Urdu: انشاءاللہ
English: Mashallah English: Inshallah

Hadith on Mashallah (Sahih by Al-Albani) Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 783

Once Ibna Abbas said:

“A man said, to the Prophet, ‘Whatever Allah wills and you will.’ He said, ‘You have put an equal with Allah. It is what Allah alone wills.’”

The Prophet corrected this by emphasizing that only Allah’s will should be mentioned. This hadith is classified as Sahih by Al-Albani.

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