Someone uses the phrase “Mashallah” and you have no idea what it means? Here you can read what’s behind it and how to use the word correctly.
What does “mashallah” mean? (Source: Krakenimages.com / depositphotos.com)
This means “Mashallah”: As Allah willed
The expression “Mashallah” has its origins in Arabic and means “As Allah willed”. In the German youth and colloquial language, the term is used with a similar meaning. However, there are different spellings, such as “Mashalla” and “Mash Allah”.
The Arabic wish can be compared to “God protect you”. Most often, “mashallah” is an expression of gratitude, appreciation, or joy for a person or for a positive event. At the same time, protection against suffering or resentment is expressed, so one is wished all the best. But “Mashallah” is also used on its own as an exclamation of joy.
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Spread of Mashallah
Since around 2008, the expression “Mashallah” has been used extensively in colloquial German, especially by young people. Just as Anglicisms spread through the mostly English-speaking Internet, words are adopted from other languages with which German has close contact.
In colloquial language, expressions such as “slay” can be heard as well as “Yallah” or “Vallah”. This practice is not new, influences from French, Latin and Greek still shape the German language today. Idioms such as “Carpe Diem” are still common today.
Mashallah and Inshallah
The phrase “Mashallah” refers to something that has already happened and can be translated as “What Allah willed has happened”. “Inshallah”, on the other hand, is made up of:
- In = if
- sha‘ = will
- Allah = Good
The expression refers to something in the future and rather means “Nothing happens without Allah’s will”. So you express that you hope that something good will develop in the future. “Inshallah” can be used as an exclamation as well as “Mashallah”.
How do you use “mashallah”
Examples of using “mashallah”:
- “I have such a healthy sleeping rhythm, Mashallah.”
- “My friends had their first child yesterday Mashallah!”
- “Mashallah, how beautiful the picture of you is.”
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