Alternative Spelling:
Alhamdulillah / Al-Hamdu Lillah / Alhamdu Lillah / Al-hamdulillah / Elhamdulillah
What is Alhamdullilah?
- “Alhamdulillah” (ٱلْـحَـمْـدُ لله) is one of the most frequently used expressions in the Arabic language and Islamic faith.
- It combines two words: ḥamd (praise, gratitude) and Allah (God), forming the meaning “all praise belongs to Allah.” The phrase is deeply rooted in Islamic spirituality and is often used in both prayer and casual conversation.
- Muslims say “Alhamdulillah” in moments of joy, relief, or after completing a task, as a way of remembering God’s blessings.
- It is also recited in formal worship, such as in the opening chapter of the Qur’an (Surah al-Fātiḥah: “Alhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alamin” – “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds”).
- The phrase serves not only as an expression of gratitude but also as a reminder of humility, recognising that everything one has is from Allah.
Examples of Alhamdullilah
- Responding to ‘How are you?’: “I’m good, Alhamdulillah.”
- After Recovery: “The illness is gone now, Alhamdulillah.”
- Upon Success: “You passed the exam? Alhamdulillah!”
- In Prayer: “Alhamdulillāhi rabbil ‘ālamīn” in Surah al-Fātiḥah (Qur’an 1:2).
References in Qur'an & Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Purity is half of faith. ‘Alhamdulillah’ fills the scale, and ‘SubhanAllah walhamdulillah’ fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is light, charity is proof, patience is illumination, and the Qur’an is an argument for or against you.”
Sahih Muslim 223 (Sunnah.com)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best remembrance is ‘La ilaha illallah,’ and the best supplication is ‘Alhamdulillah.’”
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3383 (Sunnah.com):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “When one of you sneezes and says ‘Alhamdulillah,’ his brother or companion should say to him: ‘YarhamukAllah (May Allah have mercy on you).’”
Hadith on Sneezing - Sahih al-Bukhari 6224 (Sunnah.com)
FAQs for Alhamdullilah
What does Alhamdulillah mean in English?
It means all praise and thanks belong to Allah.
When should Muslims say Alhamdulillah?
There are many situations - in gratitude, after sneezing, after meals, during prayer, and whenever recognising Allah’s blessings.
Is Alhamdulillah only said in good times?
No. Muslims say it in both ease and hardship, recognising that everything comes from Allah.
What is the difference between Alhamdulillah and Shukr?
Alhamdulillah is praise of Allah (verbally), while shukr is gratitude expressed through heart, tongue, and actions.
How often does Alhamdulillah appear in the Qur’an?
It appears in multiple surahs, including al-Fātiḥah, al-An‘ām, al-Kahf, Saba’, and Fāṭir.
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