MashAllah Meaning and When to Say It
The word MashAllah is commonly used among Muslims, but in South Asia and the Middle East, you will even hear non-muslims saying that.
But what does the word “MashAllah” mean? Let’s take a detailed look at its meaning, importance, and usage.
What Does MashAllah Mean?
The word MashAllah, often also written as Ma Sha Allah or Masha Allah or Ma Shaa Allah is an Arabic phrase that means “Allah has willed it” or “what Allah has willed”.
In Arabic, it is written as ما شاء الله and is usually used to show thankfulness and appreciation as well as to ward off the evil eye.
It is a very common expression throughout Arabic-speaking countries and the Muslim world as well as among non-muslim Arabic speakers.
Some Jews, Christians and even Hindus also use this word to praise something, show appreciation or protect against jealousy or evils.
Where Did It Originate?
MashAllah is an Arabic word where “Ma” means “What”, “Sha” means “To will” and “Allah” means “God”.
So the literal meaning of MashAllah is “God has willed it”, “what God has willed has happened” or “it is what God willed”.
It is not confirmed who coined the term or where it originated. It is used in a number of hadiths and only one verse of the Quran, in Surah Al-Kahf.
وَلَوْلَا إِذْ دَخَلْتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلْتَ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ ۚ إِن تَرَنِ أَنَا أَقَلَّ مِنكَ مَالًا وَوَلَدًا
And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, ‘What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah ‘? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children. — Qur’an 18:39
The exact etymology is still unknown, but this word has significant importance especially in the Muslim community for several reasons.
When to Use it?
The word MashAllah is used very often in Islamic culture. It is mainly used in the following situations:
To Show Gratitude
When great things happen to you or someone else, you say MashAllah to express admiration or thankfulness.
Here are some examples:
- MashAllah! We have reached home safely.
- You have a very cute baby. Mashallah!
- MashAllah! Your new home is quite big.
To Appreciate Achievements
MashAllah is also used when someone has accomplished something and you want to appreciate them.
You also say it for your own achievements. This reminds a person that though they have achieved something, ultimately it’s by Allah’s will.
Here are some examples:
- MashAllah! I have passed the exams.
- Congratulations on securing a very good job. MashAllah!
- MashAllah! He owns a Ferrari.
To Protect Against Evils, Jinns, or Jealousy
It is also believed that saying “MashAllah” when something good happens will protect oneself or others from evils, jinns or jealousy.
Let’s suppose, you have secured a very good job. You will say MashAllah just to thank God and to avoid risking your performance, success or even the job in future.
This is why it is commonly used for one’s own accomplishments or success as well as for others.
Here are some examples:
- She was looking beautiful last night. MashAllah!
- MashAllah! My visa has arrived.
- It’s been 10 years since they married. MashAllah!
Is there a Way to Respond to MashAllah?
There is not a standard or precise way to respond to it when someone says “MashAllah”. The reply may vary according to the situation.
If someone has congratulated, praised or appreciated you, you can simply say “Thank you” or in Arabic, say “Jazak Allah” (may Allah reward you).
- MashAllah! You look stunning.
Your reply: Thank you!
- Congratulations on your great victory. You deserve this. MashAllah!
Your reply: Jazak Allah!
The Final Words
In the Muslim and Arab world, the word “MashAllah” is commonly used. People here use it quite often in their speeches while praising others or even discussing their own accomplishments.
This is also used to protect oneself from evil or jealousy. It is kind of a protection or guard against bad things. Because it is believed that praising something without mentioning Allah’s name can bring harm to it and saying “MashAllah” will protect it.
The strong belief behind using this word is to show acceptance that nothing happens except by Allah’s will and ultimately belongs to him.