Arabic Words and Phrases
The Arabic words and phrases people look up most, from greetings and expressions of faith to single words that are popular in tattoos and wall art. Each page gives the Arabic text, its meaning, how to say it and the phrase in several calligraphy styles.
- Allah — الله: God. Arabic-speaking Muslims, Christians and Jews all use this word for God.
- Bismillah — بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The short form "Bismillah" means "in the name of God".
- Alhamdulillah — الحمد لله: Praise be to God; thank God.
- Inshallah — إن شاء الله: If God wills.
- Mashallah — ما شاء الله: What God has willed.
- Subhanallah — سبحان الله: Glory be to God.
- Allahu Akbar — الله أكبر: God is the greatest.
- La ilaha illallah — لا إله إلا الله: There is no god but God. The first part of the Shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith.
- Astaghfirullah — أستغفر الله: I seek forgiveness from God.
- Assalamu Alaikum — السلام عليكم: Peace be upon you. The reply is "Wa alaikum assalam" (and upon you be peace).
- Jazakallah Khair — جزاك الله خيرا: May God reward you with good.
- Ramadan Mubarak — رمضان مبارك: Blessed Ramadan.
- Eid Mubarak — عيد مبارك: Blessed Eid.
- Habibi — حبيبي: My love, my dear (said to a man or boy; widely used for anyone in everyday speech).
- Habibti — حبيبتي: My love, my dear (said to a woman or girl).
- Love — حب: Love. Arabic has many words for degrees of love; hubb is the general one.
- Peace — سلام: Peace; also used to mean "hello".
- Hope — أمل: Hope. Also a popular girl's name.
- Patience — صبر: Patience, endurance, perseverance through hardship.
- Faith — إيمان: Faith, belief. Also a girl's name.
- Strength — قوة: Strength, power.
- Freedom — حرية: Freedom, liberty.
- Family — عائلة: Family.
- Mother — أمي: My mother. The word for mother on its own is أم (umm).
- Life — حياة: Life. Also a girl's name.
- Dream — حلم: Dream.
- Beautiful — جميل: Beautiful (masculine). The feminine form is جميلة (jamila).
- Thank you — شكرا: Thank you.
- Light — نور: Light. Also a popular name for girls and boys.
- This too shall pass — هذا أيضا سيمضي: This too shall pass.
Writing Arabic phrases correctly
Arabic phrases are written as separate words from right to left, and spelling matters: a missing dot can change the meaning. Copy the Arabic text from these pages rather than retyping it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download the calligraphy?
Yes. Every phrase page lets you download each calligraphy style as a PNG image.
Are these phrases suitable for tattoos?
Many are, but many Muslims consider tattooing the name of God or Quranic text disrespectful. Each page notes this where it applies.