Ameen (also written as Aa-meen, ahmen, aymen, amen, or amin) is a word commonly uttered by Muslims at the end of the prayer. Its literal meaning is "so be it." But it is said in the context of "O Allah! Answer" or "O Allah! Accept!" It is common to ''recite ‘Ameen’ after making any supplication (dua) to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). By saying Ameen, we beseech Allah to accept and answer our prayer. Muslims say Ameen after reciting Surah Fatiha during prayer (individually or behind the Imam). Ameen is also said as a way of responding to a statement. The root letters of 'Ameen' are A-M-N (آ-م-ن), which stem from both Arabic and Hebrew origins. The meanings derived from these letters include "verily," "may it be s," or "the truth has been told."
One common variation of 'Ameen' is 'Allahumma Ameen.' While it is not a Sunnah, the addition of 'Allahumma' addresses Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) before Amen. So the translation becomes, O Allah! So be it. Or O Allah! Let this be. Or O Allah! Hear the truth. Ameen may also be spelled as amen or amin. Some more variations of the word or phrase include 'Ameen Ya Rabbul Alameen' (translation: So be it, O Lord of the Universe) and 'Ameen thumma Ameen' (Translation: Thumma, pronounced t'summa means again, then or once more). Some scholars believe that saying Summa Ameen is unnecessary, but it is popular in some South Asian countries.
'Ameen' is phonetically pronounced as 'Aa-meen,' 'ah-m-ee-n,' 'aa-MIY-N.' It is similar to the word 'Amen' that Christians use after their prayer. 'Amen' is also used as an everyday word by many non-Muslims when they want to affirm or second a wish, prayer, or saying. The Islamic term 'Ameen' is usually only uttered by Muslims or anyone influenced by living in a Muslim culture.
If you're having trouble with the pronunciation of 'Ameen,' listen to the audio here.
1. Aa: Pronounced like the 'a' in 'Ark,' with just the 'aa' sound
Sounds like: aa
2. Meen: Pronounced like "meen" with stress on the 'ee' sounds
Sounds like: sheen
Ameen: Aa-meen, ah-m-ee-n, aa-MIY-N
The most effective way to learn 'Ameen' is to look at everyday examples from today. Below are some scenarios in which one might use the word 'Ameen.'
'Ameen' is usually the end word we say after every dua, including Surah Fatiha. In this way, the believer offers up their prayer in hopes that Allah will hear and fulfill them. They may also utter the word after someone else's dua or wish, acknowledging the sentiment and agreeing with it. While the word 'Ameen' doesn't appear within this context in the Quran, there are several ahadith that emphasize its importance. Our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the significance of saying 'Ameen' several times.
Here are some of the narrations now:
1. Narrated/Authority of Abu Hurairah
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "When the reciter says Ameen, then say Ameen, for if a person's Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sunan Ibn Majah 851). For a similar narrative, see Sunan at-Tirmidhi (Jami-al-Tirmidhi). Chapter 2, Salah (Prayers). Also Ahmed 7247, Bukhari 870, Abu Dawud 936, Nisai 924, Ibn e Majah 8521.
2. Narrated/Authority of Abu Hurairah
"The people stopped saying Ameen, but when the Messenger of Allah (saw) said 'Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray'[1:7] he would say Ameen until the people in the first row could hear it, and the masjid (mosque) would shake with it. (Sunan Ibn Majah. Chapter 853).
3. Narrated/Authority of Ibn Abbas
that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "The Jews do not envy you for anything more than they envy you for the Salam and (saying) Ameen, so say Ameen a great deal." (Sunan Ibn Majah 857).
4. Narrated/Authority of Ali
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying 'Ameen' after he said, 'nor of those who went astray.'[1:7]. (Sunan Ibn Majah 854).
From the hadith above, we can see that the Prophet (ﷺ) has guided us to say 'Ameen' after every prayer and recitation of Surah Fatiha. Doing so will hopefully fulfill our prayers, wash away our sins, and follow the Sunnah of the Propeer (ﷺ).
'Ameen' is usually the last word we utter after a prayer, which leaves little room for any other supplications. However, there are at least three related terms that are usually joined to 'Ameen'. These are:
We hope that discussing the word 'Ameen' will improve our understanding of this familiar utterance. We may have said 'Ameen' or heard some variation of it many times before. However, it's always best to know the meaning and significance of what our tongues say. The next time you recite Surah Fatiha or make dua, you'll be saying 'Ameen' with more heartfelt emotions. To spread the word about the meanings of Islamic words, download the Muslim ad Quran app now!
It is not mandatory to say 'Ameen' after each dua. However, it is a part of the prayer and is to be recited after Surah Fatiha in each raka'at.
The two most common times for using 'Ameen' is after making a dua (supplication) or after reciting Surah Fatiha at any time. It can also be said after someone expresses a wish or says something you agree with.
While 'Ameen' is an Islamic word/term, it is clearly very similar to the 'Amen' used by many non-Muslims. It's also a cultural term and used by non-Muslims who have exposure to Islamic culture. While anyone can say this word, it's best to use it in an appropriate context. For example, we should not use 'Ameen' in a sarcastic manner or as a response to a negative saying or supplication.
The meanings of 'Ameen' include 'Oh Allah,' or 'Answer me, O Lord.'
