Arabic Muslim Condolences Messages
Losing a beloved one like a parent, a sibling or a good friend is something that many of us had to go through at some point of our lives. In many parts of the world, it’s customary to give condolences to the family of the person who passed away.
Death is something that is treated very differently across the globe. As such, what to say when someone dies also greatly varies from one culture to another. In this article, I’m going to show you a few respectful ways to express condolences in Arabic that you can use for any Muslim.
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Condolences in Arabic
Giving condolences after death is a cultural norm in the Arab world. It’s customary to offer condolences to a person’s loved ones after their passing to express respect and empathy. Knowing how to express your condolences in Arabic is useful if you’re an Muslim yourself, or have Arab friends or coworkers.
Here are five common ways to say condolences in Arabic.
1. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un is the most commonly used phrase to give condolences in Arabic. It translates to “we belong to Allah and to Him we will return”. This expression is often uttered in reaction to the death of a loved one. It conveys acceptance and trust in God’s plan.
2. Allah Yirhamo
Allah yirhamo is widely used to convey condolences. This phrase means “may Allah have compassion on him/her”. It’s often used in combination with the first statement, innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
3. Atham Allah Ajrakum
Atham Allah arakum is another condolence message with a deep meaning. It means “may Allah reward you for your patience and ability to deal with this adversity”. In Islam, patience and endurance in hard times are highly valued. People believe Allah (God) will reward and bless them. By saying atham Allah ajrakum, you can say that you hope that the person’s patience and perseverance will pay off and that their hard times will lead to something better.
4. Al Baka Lil Allah
The expression al baka lil Allah signifies that although we will all die, Allah will live on. Just like the previous condolences, this expression is also rooted in Islam. Death is seen as a normal aspect of life in Islam. Muslims accept the certainty of death and the transience of life by repeating this expression while simultaneously acknowledging God’s eternal power and presence.
5. Al Omur Ilkum
Al omur ilkum is commonly used to convey condolences to the deceased’s relatives. It means “may you have a long and prosperous life”. It’s a respectful way to wish the family of the deceased good health in their own lives.
Offering your condolences when someone passes away is a great way to show your respect and empathy for them. Even if you aren’t a (native) Arab speaker, don’t be shy to use those expressions. They have a deep meaning and people will really appreciate your support. Note that it’s common to offer condolences to the family in person (instead of over the phone) whenever possible.
