The phrase and its pronunciation
مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُMā shā’ Allāh
What God has willed
Meaning
Whatever God willed exists; it credits the blessing to its true source.
When to say it
- When admiring a child, home or achievement.
- On seeing a blessing, whether on others or yourself.
- Together with “barakallahu feehi” to ward off envy.
How to reply
Reply: “Barakallahu feek” or “Jazakallahu khayran.”
The evidence
God taught the owner of the garden to say it when admiring his property:
وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ دَخَلۡتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلۡتَ مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِۚ إِن تَرَنِ أَنَا۠ أَقَلَّ مِنكَ مَالٗا وَوَلَدٗاAnd why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, 'What Allāh willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allāh'? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children,
Frequently asked questions
Is it said when sad?
No; its place is admiration and blessing. For hardship the phrase is “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un.”
Texts and translations are under scholarly review.