What Does Mashallah Mean? Unlocking the Meaning of "Mashallah" A Brief Dive into Its Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Amulet -The evil eye is also called Nazar, Ayin Ha'ra, Mati, Kurdishti

 “Mashallah” is a fascinating phrase you may have heard often but may not fully understood its meaning or use. Here is a breakdown of it meaning, origins and use across different cultures.

What does Mashallah mean, “Mashallah” (مَا شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ) is an Arabic phrase that literally translates to “What Allah has willed”. Simply, it is an acknowledgement that good things come from the divine will of Allah (God). You will most often hear when someone is celebrating an achievement or when they are admiring the beauty of someone or something. 

The roots of “Mashallah” 

The phrase “Mashallah” has profound roots in Islamic tradition. The Evidence for its religious significance is abundant. For Example, it appears in the Holy Qur'an in Surah Al-Kahf (18:39) and has also been mentioned in Hadith of his Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh). Interestingly, the influence and use of the phrase extended beyond its Islamic contexts, and it has been embraced by various cultures influenced by Islamic practices, including some non-Muslim communities in the Middle East and North Africa.

The use of the term can be summarized into three main points: 

• To express your admiration - You might say or hear someone say “Mashallah, what a beautiful car!” or “Mashallah! Congrats on graduating from medical school” or “Mashallah, What a cute baby!”.  By saying mashallah, you are showing the person you that you are celebrating their success, or a positive occasion. 
• Protection Against the “Evil Eye” - Across cultures, the evil eye is believed to be a curse cast through envy or jealousy. Therefore, it is believed that when you praise someone’s success or admire their possessions, it is polite and appreciated to use “Mashallah” to shield them from potential harm caused by envy. Do not be surprised if you hear someone asking another to say Mashallah because he/she complimented the beauty of something without saying “Mashallah”. Furthermore, it is common in the middle east to see the phrase “Mashallah” Engraved on stone at the home entrance or as a sticker on their newly purchased car. 
• Cultural Adoption - This is primarily seen in cultures influenced by Islamic tradition. This is seen in Turkey and parts of the Balkans as they often use the phrase or similar expressions to convey praise or approval. Moreover, despite the Islamic roots of the phrase, it is not uncommon to hear an Arab Christian use the term when speaking with their Muslims or even non-Muslims. 

Shoparabix.com - Say Mashallah Society

The phrase “Mashallah” is more than just an expression as it really highlights gratitude, humility, and the acknowledgment of divine intervention as well as praising others for success and blessings. Thank you for joining us on this brief exploration of “Mashallah”!