Common Arabic Words Used in Offices
As offices and workplaces become more ethnically diverse, it is common to hear colleagues using words or phrases from their native language. One such language is Arabic. Among Muslims and Arabic speakers, you may hear some phrases repeatedly and become curious about what they mean. Classical Arabic, which is the language of the Koran, is revered by the Arab people and is used by most Muslims, but many people speak modern dialects of Arabic, such as Egyptians and Kuwaitis. Here are some common Arabic words and phrases.
Other People Are Reading
-
Common Arabic Words
-
One of the most misunderstood words is "Islam." Islam comes the root word "salama" which means "to submit." A more accurate definition is to find peace through submission to Allah or God. So a Muslim is someone who has chosen "to submit to the will of God." "La ilaha ill Allah" means "There is no God except Allah." This is the first statement of Islam and it is a common Muslim custom to quietly repeat this phrase often.
Common Arabic Greetings
-
It is an Arabic custom that when Muslims or Arabic speakers greet each other, they will say "Assalamu alykum," which translates as "Peace be with you." The common reply to this greeting is "Wa alaykum assalam," which means "And peace be to you." If you hear someone say "Ma salama," they are saying "With peace," and this is usually used as a goodbye.
-
Common Arabic Expressions
-
When referring to future events or plans, Arabic speakers will often say "Insha Allah" which means "Allah (God) willing" or "By the will of God." In place of a phrase like "Thank God," it is a Muslim custom to say "Alhamdulilah" meaning "All praise to God." Then there's "Subhan Allah" which is something of a multipurpose phrase, as it means "Glory be to God" and it can refer to something either very good or very bad. Think of this as the Arabic "Oh my goodness!"
Common Arabic Prayers
-
Before starting almost any activity, Muslims will often say "Bismillah" which translates as "In the name of Allah or God." This can said before meals, starting a trip, or just about anything at all.
Common Arabic or Muslim Names
-
Currently, the most popular name in the world for males is Mohammed, who is the prophet of Islam. Other Muslim names are usually derived from Arabic, although writing Arabic names with other alphabets is a bit tricky, as Arabic names may be spelled several different ways. Many names have a specific meaning, for example Amal means "hope," or names can be Biblical or based on the Arabic name for God.
Religious Observances and Muslim Customs
-
During one month on the Muslim calendar, many followers of Islam observe Ramadan and fast from dawn to sunset. Because this holiday follows the Muslim calendar, and not the commonly used calendar, it changes dates every year. The first and last days of Ramadan are called Eid. The beginning of Ramadan is called the Greater Eid or Eid ul-Adha and the end of the holy month is marked by Eid ul-Fitr. At least once in their lifetime, many Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca, as they are required to do so if they are physically and financially able. This pilgrimage is referred to as "Hajj."
-
