Muslim Sayings: Islamic Quotes and Daily Reminders

Muslim sayings are short phrases from the Quran and authentic Hadith — such as Alhamdulillah, SubhanAllah, InshaAllah, MashaAllah and Astaghfirullah — that Muslims use every day to remember Allah. Each one has a clear meaning and a proper occasion: thanking Allah, praising Him, planning the future, admiring a blessing or seeking forgiveness. Below you will find their meanings, verified Quran and Hadith references, and short Islamic reminders you can share with confidence.

Many “Islamic quotes” shared online are not authentic. On this page every quote attributed to the Quran or the Prophet ﷺ is linked to its source, so you can check it yourself.

What Are Muslim Sayings?

Muslim sayings are phrases of remembrance (dhikr) that believers use in daily speech. They come from the Quran, the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the practice of the companions. They help a Muslim respond to joy, grief, success or worry by turning back to Allah.

Essential Everyday Muslim Expressions

• Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله): All praise belongs to Allah.
• SubhanAllah (سبحان الله): Glory be to Allah, free from every flaw.
• Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر): Allah is the Greatest.
• InshaAllah (إن شاء الله): If Allah wills.
• MashaAllah (ما شاء الله): This is what Allah has willed.
• Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله): I seek Allah’s forgiveness.
• HasbunAllahu wa ni‘mal wakeel (حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل): Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.

You can keep count of your daily dhikr with our Digital Tasbih Counter.

Islamic Quotes from the Quran and Hadith

The Quranic Remedy for Inner Anxiety

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” — Quran 13:28

This verse reminds us that lasting peace of heart does not come from material things alone; it comes from remembering Allah.

The Four Words Most Beloved to Allah

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved words to Allah are four: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar, and it does not matter which you begin with. — Sahih Muslim 2137

Two Words Light on the Tongue

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ

The Prophet ﷺ said there are two phrases that are easy on the tongue, heavy on the scale and beloved to the Most Merciful: “SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil-Azim.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 6406

Meaning and Use of Core Muslim Expressions

Alhamdulillah: A Mindset of Gratitude

A Muslim says Alhamdulillah after a meal, on hearing good news, or on recovering from illness — and also in hardship, trusting that Allah’s decree contains wisdom. It reminds us that wealth, health and success are gifts from Allah, not purely our own achievement.

SubhanAllah: Recognising Allah’s Perfection

SubhanAllah declares that Allah is free from every imperfection. Muslims often say it when amazed by the beauty of creation, turning a simple observation into worship.

Allahu Akbar: Allah Is Greater Than Every Worry

Saying Allahu Akbar reminds a believer that Allah is greater than any exam, problem or fear. It is also the opening of every prayer (takbir).

InshaAllah and MashaAllah: Humility in Plans and Blessings

Allah taught the Prophet ﷺ not to say “I will do that tomorrow” without adding “if Allah wills” (Quran 18:23–24). When admiring a blessing, the Quran teaches the phrase “Ma sha Allah, la quwwata illa billah” (Quran 18:39), which keeps the heart free from envy and pride.

Astaghfirullah: Daily Spiritual Cleansing

Astaghfirullah is not only for major sins; it is a daily habit. Prophet Nuh (AS) told his people: “Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, for He is truly Most Forgiving,” and promised rain, wealth and children as its blessings (Quran 71:10–12). For the complete method of repentance, read our Tawbah and Istighfar guide.

Islamic Reminders from the Lives of the Prophets

Prophet Yunus (AS) in the Darkness

Prophet Yunus (Jonah), peace be upon him, was in the darkness of the night, the sea and the belly of the whale. He did not despair, but called upon his Lord:

لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

“There is no god except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.” — Quran 21:87

Read its meaning and benefits in our guide to the Dua of Yunus, and find more Quranic duas for hardship in the Spiritual Solutions Hub.

The Cave of Thawr: Total Reliance on Allah

During the Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) hid in the Cave of Thawr while their pursuers stood at its entrance. The Prophet ﷺ told his companion: “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us” (Quran 9:40).

HasbunAllahu wa Ni‘mal Wakeel

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said “HasbunAllahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” when he was thrown into the fire, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said it when told that a great army had gathered against the Muslims (Sahih al-Bukhari 4563; see Quran 3:173).

Short Islamic Reminders for Daily Life

Patience (Sabr)

• “Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Quran 2:153)
• “So, surely with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:5)
• “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)

Illness and Healing

When facing illness, a Muslim combines medical treatment with authentic duas. Spiritual remedies support but do not replace a doctor. See our Dua for Shifa and Dua for a Sick Person.

Dreams and Superstition

Islam discourages superstition and over-reading events or dreams. If you want to understand a dream from an Islamic perspective, read with caution, for example our article on dreaming of owls in Islam.

History and Reflection

Islamic history is full of lessons about the passing of this world. For a recent example, read about the rock inscription bearing the name Umar ibn al-Khattab found in Al-Mahd, Madinah region.

Moving Muslim Sayings from Tongue to Action

1. True InshaAllah: Do not use it as a polite way to avoid a promise; say it when you truly intend to do the task.
2. True Alhamdulillah: Let gratitude stop you from complaining or comparing your life with others on social media.
3. True Astaghfirullah: Follow your request for forgiveness with a real decision to leave the sin.

When sharing Islamic quotes on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook, check the source first. Attributing invented words to the Prophet ﷺ is a serious sin; he said, “Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in the Fire” (Sahih al-Bukhari 110).

Common Mistakes

• Sharing fake hadith as “Islamic quotes”
• Using InshaAllah as an excuse for broken promises
• Saying Alhamdulillah without gratitude in actions
• Ignoring the meanings behind common Arabic phrases

اسلامی اقوال – مختصر خلاصہ (Urdu)

الحمد للہ، سبحان اللہ، اللہ اکبر، ان شاء اللہ، ما شاء اللہ اور استغفر اللہ وہ مسنون کلمات ہیں جو ایک مسلمان روزانہ اللہ کو یاد کرنے کے لیے بولتا ہے۔ قرآن (13:28) کے مطابق دلوں کا سکون اللہ کے ذکر میں ہے۔ کوئی بھی قول نبی کریم ﷺ کی طرف منسوب کر کے شیئر کرنے سے پہلے اس کا حوالہ ضرور دیکھیں۔

FAQ: Muslim Sayings

What are the most common Muslim sayings?

The most common are Alhamdulillah (All praise is for Allah), SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), InshaAllah (If Allah wills) and MashaAllah (This is what Allah has willed).

Why do Muslims say MashaAllah?

Muslims say MashaAllah when admiring a blessing to acknowledge that it comes from Allah, following Quran 18:39, and to keep the heart free from envy.

Is it permissible to share Islamic quotes in English?

Yes. Sharing the meanings of Quran and Hadith in English or any language is good, as long as the quote is authentic and its source is checked.

What should a Muslim say in a crisis?

Two authentic phrases are “HasbunAllahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4563, Quran 3:173) and the dua of Prophet Yunus (AS): “La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin” (Quran 21:87).

What are the most beloved words to Allah?

According to Sahih Muslim 2137, the four most beloved words to Allah are SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar.

Related reading

• Morning and Evening Azkar
• 99 Names of Allah with Meanings
• The 6 Articles of Faith
• Namaz ke Baad ke Masnoon Azkar

Source & review: References: Quran (quran.com), Hadith (sunnah.com: Muslim 2137, Bukhari 6406, 4563, 110). Content reviewed by Qilaj editorial team.