Alhamdulillah Meaning

All praise is for Allah. The meaning, Arabic, when to say it, and its source in the Quran and Sunnah.

Alhamdulillah means “all praise is for Allah”. It is how Muslims thank Allah: for good news, for health, after eating, and even in hardship, as a reminder that every blessing comes from Him.

When do Muslims say Alhamdulillah?

• Answering “How are you?”: “I’m well, alhamdulillah.”
• Good news and blessings: a new job, a recovery, a safe journey.
• After sneezing: the Prophet ﷺ taught that someone who sneezes should say “Alhamdulillah”, the person who hears it replies “Yarḥamuk Allāh” (may Allah have mercy on you), and the sneezer answers “Yahdīkumullāhu wa yuṣliḥu bālakum” (may Allah guide you and set your affairs right) (Sahih al-Bukhari 6224).
• In hardship, as an expression of trust and patience.

Alhamdulillah in the Quran

The Quran’s opening chapter begins with it: “Al-ḥamdu lillāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn”, all praise is for Allah, Lord of all the worlds (Quran 1:2).

Its reward

The Prophet ﷺ said that “Alhamdulillah” fills the scale of good deeds (Sahih Muslim 223). It is also said 33 times after every prayer, with SubhanAllah and Allahu Akbar (Sahih Muslim 597).

Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com, where you can read the full text. Reviewed 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Alhamdulillah mean?

Alhamdulillah means “all praise is for Allah” (often translated “praise be to God” or “thank God”).

What do you reply when someone says Alhamdulillah after sneezing?

Reply “Yarhamuk Allah” (may Allah have mercy on you). They then answer “Yahdikumullahu wa yuslihu balakum” (may Allah guide you and set your affairs right), as taught in Sahih al-Bukhari 6224.

Is it Alhamdulillah or Alhamdulilah?

Both spellings are common. The Arabic is الحمد لله, “al-hamdu lillah”, so “Alhamdulillah” is closest.