The meaning of Arabic phrase Mashallah is “what Allah has willed has happened” or “that which God wanted”.
Mashallah is often said to show appreciation for something happening for a person. It’s a way for Muslims to show respect, and serves as a reminder that everything is achieved by the will of God.
It’s a way for us to acknowledge that Allah, the creator of all things, has bestowed upon us a blessing. Saying Mashallah is a way to express this amazement.
Mashallah in Arabic:
In Arabic mashallah is written as:
ما شاء الله
Mashallah to Protect from Evil Eye and Jealousy:
In some cultures, it is believed reciting Masha allah when something good happens will protect themselves from jealousy, evil eye, or from jinns. An example would be, if you just had a healthy new born you would say ‘Mashallah’ to show gratitude the gift Allah has bestowed and to avoid risking the baby’s future health.
Mashallah or Inshallah?
These two words sound familiar and have similar definitions, which is why it’s easy to get confused between the Mashallah and Inshallah. The main difference is inshallah is said to wish for a future result:
Mashallah = Allah has willed
Inshallah = if Allah wills it.
Example of Inshallah: I hope for the birth of a healthy baby, inshallah.
Example of Mashallah: *after having given birth* Mashallah, what a beautiful, healthy baby.
Hadith on Saying Mashallah:
Ibn ‘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.'”
Grade : Sahih (Al-Albani)
Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 783
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 30
Mashallah used in a sentence and reply:
There is no one right response to someone who says Mashallah to you. But if they are saying it an a way to share in your joy, accomplishment, or achievement then you can respond by sayingJazak Allahu Khayran which means “may Allah reward you”.
An example would a friend visiting your house, they might say “what a beautiful house, mashallah” it would be acceptable for you to respond by saying jazak allah khair.
Here’s a list of other examples we compiled from social media profiles of Muslim’s using the word Mashallah naturally:
Example #1:
Watching the sun rise fills me with a happiness i can’t express. absolutely gorgeous, mashallah.
Example #2:
Mashallah my sweet nephew Salman. May Allah bless him with this smile through out his life.
Example #3:
More power to Hijabis and Niqabis as well, out there! Mashallah!
Example #4:
Mashallah I’m getting such good marks at my assignment even though they’re not that great but it’s still good.
Example #5:
I love his recitation masha’allah!
