Mashallah or Ma Sha Allah (Arabic: مَا شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ, romanized: mā shāʾa -llāhu) is an Arabic phrase that translates to "God has willed it" or "God had wanted it" [to occur or happen]. It is used to express appreciation, acknowledgment, and gratitude among Muslims. It is appropriate to say MashAllah when you hear good news, behold beauty, or become aware of an unbelievable feat. Although Mashallah is commonly used by Muslims, variations such as "Subhanallah" or "Allahumma barik" may also be used.
Mashallah can be phonetically spelled as Mashallah or Ma Sha Allah or Masha Allah, or Ma Shaaa Allah. Read the break down below to say MashAllah correctly:
1. Ma: pronounced like "ma" with emphasis on the a
2. Sha: pronounced like "sha" with an exaggerated "a'
3. Allah: pronounced exactly like "Allah" (with a focus on the second l)
Putting in All Together
Mashallah: Ma-Sha-Allah
MashAllah is an Arabic expression used by Muslims to express one's appreciation, awe, and gratitude for a place, thing, or person. Common scenarios in which Muslims use this expression are:
MashAllah holds great significance in Islam. The word originated from the Arabic language, where Masha means "will" and Allah refers to the one and only God – "Allah." Combined, the word means "What Allah has willed OR wanted." The phrase carries within itself the acknowledgment of Allah's power – beauty, health, success, happiness, and everything else comes from Allah. Saying MashAllah acknowledges that yes, you are beautiful, healthy, successful, and happy, but it is only because Allah has willed it so. It is a reminder that Allah has power over all, and we should remain thankful to Him for all his blessings. It also reminds Muslims to remain humble.
MashAllah reflects humbleness, humility, and gratitude by attributing whatever good thing, appearance, or factor one experiences in one's life is attributed to Allah alone. According to Muslims, it is Allah who gives, and it is Allah who takes away, which is why Muslims believe it is significant to remember their Lord in every goodness or badness they may experience. By attributing one's good features or experiences to Allah, Muslims express their gratitude to their Lord for His blessings and goodness upon them so as to not be proud and stay humble as everything is from Allah alone.
Additionally, saying "MashAllah" can also act as a form to protect one's self or their possessions from the evil eye. According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the evil eye, that occurs from envy, jealousy, or malice can be harmful for a human being or cause misfortune. By saying MashAllah, Muslims believe they gain the protection and blessings of Allah from the harm that the evil eye may bring upon them.
Scenario: When appreciating a person, place, or thing.
Example: "MashAllah, congratulations on getting this beautiful car. May Allah bless you and all your possessions with His protection."
Scenario: To compliment someone's beauty.
Example: "MashAllah, you look radiant! May Allah protect you from any evil eye that may stand in your way!"
Scenario: When introducing or showing your new possession to family or friends.
Example: "MashAllah, here is the new house I have just purchased in Downtown Toronto."
In Surah Al-Kahf verse 39, Allah Azzawajal is instructing Muslims to say MashAllah. He asks when you entered your garden, why did you not say MashAllah? This is a clear guideline for Muslims to acknowledge Allah's will whenever they encounter something of beauty and goodness. The full translation of verse 39 is below:
"When you entered your garden, why did you not say: 'As God may please;' (MashAllah) for no one has power except given by God? Though you see me poorer in wealth and children than you." (18:39)
Abu Hurairah narrated the Prophet (peace be upon Him) to have said: "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, "If only I had done such and such." rather, say, "Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha'a fa'ala (Allah has decreed, and whatever he wills, He does)." For (saying) 'If' opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan" - (Sunan Ibn Majah 79)
"SubhanAllah" roughly translates to "all glory be to Allah." It means that Allah is free from any imperfections and is above any wrongdoings. SubhanAllah is mostly used when one is appreciating or is in awe of the wonders of nature and worldly beauty such as a beautiful scenario or a wondrous waterfall. Similar to Mashallah, it is also a way of showing one's appreciation to Allah for His imperfect creations and blessings.
"Allahumma Barik" translates to "may Allah bless you" and is a phrase used to communicate or express the good blessings of Allah to another person. The phrase was commonly used by the Prophet (peace be upon Him) to convey good blessings to someone. The phrase also can help to ward off the evil eye, similar to MashAllah.
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While MashAllah is a word rooted in Islamic tradition, it is not uncommon for people from different faiths and religions to use it to express admiration or awe.
Yes, MashAllah can be used in negative situations to accept Allah's will or want.
While MashAllah acknowledges Allah's divine will to give or bless someone with something that has already been given, Inshallah is used to express hope that something will occur in the future if Allah wills it.
