Allahumma Barik (in Arabic, اللّهُـمَّ بارِكْ) translates to 'May Allah bless you.' This phrase is usually said by a Muslim to appreciate someone or when they admire a person. In such situations, we may think of Allahumma Barik as a phrase similar to thank you or JazakAllah khayr. For both JazakAllah khayr and Allahumma Barik, the speaker is praying for barakah and blessing. It may also be common to use this phrase in some Muslim cultures when someone is amazed by a certain thing, action, or quality belonging to another person. By saying Allahumma Barik, we may ward off the evil eye or 'nazr' that might harm others.
There are a few variations of this phrase that might be more appropriate in certain situations:
Are you unsure of how to pronounce Allahumma Barik? Read the breakdown below to pronounce it correctly.
1. Allahumma
Al: Pronounced like "all" without stressing the "l"
Sounds like: al
Lah: Pronounced like "lah" but with emphasis on the 'h' sound
Sounds like: hah
Hum: Pronounced like "hum" with a short "uu" sound
Sounds like: plume
Ma: Pronounced like "maa" with a long ‘aa’ sound
Sounds like: ha
2. Barik
Ba: Pronounced as "ba" with a short 'a' sound
Sounds like: fa
Rik: Pronounced as "rik" with a short 'i' sound
Sounds like: stick
Allahumma Barik: Al-lah Hum-ma Ba-rik
"Allahumma Barik" is used for seeking blessings and more barakaat in something that we deem praiseworthy. The phrase is suitable for use in both formal and informal gatherings. However, it is not recommended that anyone, especially a non-Mulsim, use these words as sarcasm or an insult. There are various ways to use Allahumma Barik in everyday life. Let's now have a look at some of the top examples:
Scenario: You're recommending someone's work to a potential client or customer (or just someone who likes the work)
Example: She does such amazing work, Allahumma Barik; rest assured, her cupcakes will be a hit at the party
Scenario: You want to compliment someone on their complexion
Example: Allahumma Barik, your skin is literally glowing! Do share your skincare routine!
Scenario: Praising someone's children after seeing their picture
Example: They just look too cute here, Allahumma Barik!
Scenario: Motivating mothers to pray harder for the success of their offspring
Example: Allahumma Barik to each and every mother out there. Their duas, sacrifices, and support enable us to achieve almost anything insha'Allah. May Allah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) keep them all in His protection.
Scenario: Blessing the mother while making a birth announcement
Example: Allahumma Barik laha to my dearest sister; she recently became the lucky mother of a lovely little girl
Scenario: Praising the speaking skills of a young boy
Example: Allahumma barik lahu, I couldn't believe it was my little brother speaking so professionally during that meeting
The phrase Allahumma Barik is not present in the Holy Quran. However, there are quite a few ahadith of the Prophet (ﷺ) that mention a command to recite these words at certain times. Muslims may notice the the phrase Allahumma Barik is present in the Durood-e-Ibrahim and certain other duroods that we send upon the Prophet (ﷺ):
Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ala Ibrahima wa ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidum-Majeed. Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ala Ibrahima wa ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum-Majeed.
Translation: O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.
A hadith also suggests a dua with the words Allahumma Barik. Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When one of you eats food, he should say: O Allah, bless us in it, and give us food (or nourishment) better than it. When he is given milk to drink he should say: O Allah! bless us in it and give us more of it, for no food or drink satisfies like milk (Sunan Abi Dawud 3730).
Transliteration of Dua when eating food: Allahumma barik lana fihi wa at'imna khairan minhu.
Translation: O Allah, bless us in it, and give us food (or nourishment) better than it.
Transliteration of Dua when drinking milk: Allahumma Barik Lana Feehi Wa Zidna Minhu
Translation: O Allah! bless us in it and give us more of it.
The Prophet (ﷺ) also stated: "If one of you sees something with his brother that he admires, let him pray for blessing (barakah) for him." — Narrated by Imam Malik in al-Muwatta (2/939), Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad (25/355), and Ibn Majah (3509)
Allahumma Barik and 'Masha’Allah’ are two phrases that are used for almost the same purpose. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. The first phrase is utilized to supplicate Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for His favor and blessing upon some person or object. On the other hand, Masha’Allah is used for appreciating something such as beauty, opulence, etc. However, the two phrases might be used interchangeably in everyday society.
Islam does not ignore the fact that there are admirable and appreciable things in the world. However, it also acknowledges that we have to give acknowledgment and praise in the right manner. We don’t want any harm to come to someone or something we admire. Not sure how and when to say Allahumma Barik? Download the Muslim and Quran app to learn about Islamic Terms. You will also get prayer times notifications and reminders, online hadith collection, online Quran, and more!
“Allahumma Barik” is a phrase that Muslims say after praising or admiring someone. It’s often used in everyday conversation within both formal and informal settings. The words invoke Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) blessings and barakaat.
There is a difference in opinion among scholars as to whether the hadith states anything about the repetition of Allahumma Barik every time we see something we admire. Some are of the opinion that this is necessary according to the main hadith about praying for barakah. Others say that it is not mandatory to repeat the phrase since the hadith did not specifically mention any repetition.
There are two scenarios where one may not say Allahumma Barik. One is that the person sees something he really admires but fears that expressing anything could cause harm through the evil eye. In such cases, a Muslim is required to say Allahumma Barik and ward off the harm to his brother/sister. The second situation is that the Muslims are not worried about causing harm with the evil eye. Even then it is recommended that he should say Allahumma Barik to be kind to others. However, doing so is not obligatory.
