Non-Muslims can use Islamic phrases like 'Alhamdulillah' or ‘Insya-Allah’ – FT Mufti’s Office
THE use of Islamic words such as Alhamdulillah, Insya-Allah, Masha-Allah and the like by non-Muslims in daily conversation is permissible, as long as it does not degrade the sanctity of Islam and does not contain elements of insult.
The Federal Territories Mufti's Office informed that, in the context of a plural society in Malaysia, the phenomenon of the use of Islamic words by some non-Muslims is something normal and occurs as a result of the interaction between culture and religion.
According to the explanation, from the perspective of Islamic law, the act in question is permissible provided that it is used in the right context and is not used as a mockery or insult of Islam.
"If a non-Muslim says Alhamdulillah, including after sneezing, then a Muslim must respond with a prayer such as 'may Allah guide you' or 'may Allah heal you'," according to the statement.
The explanation is based on a hadith narrated by Abu Musa RA, which states that the Jews during the time of the Prophet SAW deliberately sneezed in front of him in the hope of being prayed for mercy, and Prophet SAW prayed for them to be given guidance and improved conditions.
However, the Federal Territories Mufti's Office stressed that it is not permissible to ask for forgiveness or Allah's mercy from infidels because such mercy is specifically for believers.
In this case, scholars such as Sheikh Mulla 'Ali al-Qari explained that the appropriate prayer for non-Muslims is that they be given guidance and taufiq to believe in Allah SWT.
“This obligation does not apply if the sacred words of Islam are used with the intention of insulting, belittling or ridiculing religion,” the statement explained.
In such situations, Muslims are urged to stay away from gatherings or conversations that contain elements of insulting the verses of Allah, in line with the words of Allah SWT in Surah al-Nisa verse 140.
In this regard, the Federal Territories Mufti Office outlined several important guidelines regarding the use of the word Islam by non-Muslims, including not using it in an insulting manner, not making it into commercial material that taints the original meaning, and the need to understand the true meaning of the word in question so that it can be used in the right situation.
Overall, the use of the word Islam by non-Muslims in daily conversation is permitted in a pluralistic society, but subject to etiquette, context and respect for the sanctity of the Islamic religion. – February 6, 2026
