What is the meaning of the phrases "Hayyak Allah," "Hayya Allah," and "Hayyak wa Bayyak," (May Allah grant you life and settle you) and is it permissible to use them? Is what was stated in "Al-Tafsir Al-Wadih Al-Muyassar" by Muhammad Ali Al-Sabuni concerning them correct? And what is the authenticity of the interpretation of "Hayyak wa Bayyak" attributed to Ibn Taymiyyah and Al-Asma'i, and what was said about the meaning of "Bawwa'aka Manzilan" (May He grant you a dwelling,)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The phrase "May Allah grant you life and a home" should not be taken as a substitute for the Islamic greeting. However, there is no religious impediment to using it when addressing people, as it is an invocation that has been on people's tongues since ancient times. Interpreters have explained it to mean "May He make you laugh," and linguists have stated that it is a prayer for good, and that "May Allah grant you life" means "May Allah keep you alive."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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