Certain often repeated words of praise for Allah in Arabic are usually translated in a very boring way. The translation comes off as dull and even confusing at times. However, in Arabic the meaning is very profound but is lost through such translations. Below, I’ve attempted to show the true meaning of four such words in addition to their usual boring translations just to show you the difference.
The following four are also known as tasbeeh, tahmeed, takbir, and tahleel in the Arabic language.
Subhan Allah (سبحان الله): Meaning Allah is perfect in an absolute sense without any defects or imperfections of any kind. Usually translated as Glory be to Allah.
Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله): Meaning all praise and thanks belong to Allah alone because He is the originator of everything. To praise or thank something is indirectly praising and thanking Allah because He is its true Creator. Usually translated as Praise be to Allah.
Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر): Meaning Allah is greater than everything else not just in your life but the entire existence. Usually translated as Allah is Great.
La ilaaha illa Allah (لا إله إلا الله): There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners in any way or form. Usually translated as There is no god except Allah.
Here is a short visual video I got put together on this very topic. I hope you like it!
What do you think? Does the above make more sense? Tell us in the comments section below!
If you found the above helpful, then please be sure to check our post on Brief Explanation of the Words of the Islamic Prayer (Salah)!
I am a Pakistani-American Muslim blogger. I hold a B.S. in Information Technology and a B.A. in Islamic Studies. I am also a follower and a student of the Hanbali school of Islamic law. Read more