Alhamdulillah is one of the most common words used in Arabic. According to Wikipedia, it means that:

“All Praise, Glorification, Thanks, Gratitude, that Praise ITSELF, Glorification ITSELF, the very concept, idea, and attribution of it - belongs to God and to God alone, and to no one else.”

This is quite a good definition of one of my favorite words that I have picked up from living in the Middle East, and although some may use it in a flippant manner, many others really do use it to give thanks to God for everyday things.

It is used in instances such as greetings:

“How are you?”

“I’m fine, Alhamdulillah.” i.e. I am fine and I give God the glory for this.

If something pleasant or surprising happens people might exclaim with joy: “Alhamdulillah!” and through saying this give thanks and praise to God for the circumstance.

How often do we say with full conviction that we are thankful for something and give the glory to God?

Let me share some instances in the past weeks that I have used this word:

Dh had a very positive job interview in which an IT company is so keen to have him that they are basically going to create a job for him - Alhamdulillah!

Two weeks ago some family members, knowing that we are tight financially at the moment, gave us $1000 - Alhamdulillah!

A friend gave me some fabric with which I can make some winter clothes for Elizabeth - Alhamdulillah!

I found some winter shoes in a box for Matthew that fit him perfectly. They were given to us 4 years ago in Germany and Daniel wore them first, but they are great quality, lovely and warm, just right for this cold winter - Alhamdulillah!

Just when we were running out of food in the pantry and freezer, I was able to purchase some bulk staples for a very low cost - Alhamdulillah!

As we drive around the countryside, we are watching it turn from brown to green as the drought seems to have broken - Alhamdulillah!

I talked to a dear friend on the phone today that I hadn’t spoken to for over two years - Alhamdulillah!

Oh this is such a handy word and of course when I use it here I get very strange looks! Sometimes I just long for a person from the Middle East that I can say this word to and know that they will understand the full essence of it! There are so many things I want to thank the Lord for, and I use this Arabic word. Of course, I know that God knows exactly what it means, and it is to Him I am saying it after all!

I thank the Lord for bringing us back to Australia and providing us with a beautiful house to live in, food to eat, clothes and shoes and a car to drive. I thank and praise Him for good friends and family that we are able to spend time with and enjoy once again. I thank Him for leading us and guiding us, and for keeping us in the shelter of His hands - Alhamdulillah!