Why I Often Say “God” Instead of “Allah” and Don’t Leave Phrases Like Bismillah in Arabic

Allah is the Arabic word for The God.

When I first reverted to Islam, I used Arabic for anything involving Him. I would often say bismillah, alhamdulillah, inshalah, and subhanallah. Yet, whenever I spoke in English, I felt uncomfortable saying things like “God willing” or “All glory is due to God.” Then I noticed something that troubled me. Some people who were fluent in Arabic phrases of praise would use the Lord's name as a filler word or to express surprise, when speaking English, the same way non- believers do. Even in Islamic children’s books, I saw this happen.

Arabic is sacred — the language of Revelation. In my private worship, I incorporate as much Arabic as I can, and I strive to understand the Qur’an in its original form. But I also realised something important: English cannot become the language where we forget God.

Most of us in the West spend our days speaking English. If our everyday conversations leave God out — or if the only time His name is mentioned in English is to express surprise, the way nonbelievers do — it affects our hearts.

I want to be so accustomed to God-conscious speech in English that I naturally mention Him wherever I am, even among those who do not yet know Him.

Imagine if non-Muslims didn’t just hear foreign words, but instead understood the words of peace, mercy, love, and devotion woven through our day-to-day speech. Our words could be used to penetrate the hearts of those who disbelieve.

Don’t abandon Arabic.

But don’t abandon The God in English either.