What Does Allah Yerhamo Mean?

Download Article

Example sentences to express condolences in Arabic

Co-authored by Belal Elkadri and Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 19, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Meaning

|

Correct Usage

|

When to Use

|

Responding

|

Is it in the Quran?

|

Similar Expressions

“Allah yerhamo” is an Arabic phrase and Islamic expression that means “May Allah have mercy on him.” People typically say this when they hear that someone passed away to express their condolences and pray for the deceased. This phrase can also help you find comfort if someone you know passes away. In this article, we’ll explain how to say this phrase for men, women, and groups, when to say it, and how to respond to it.

What is the meaning of “Allah yerhamo?”

“Allah yerhamo” means “May Allah have mercy on him” in Arabic. This is a thoughtful way to express your condolences when someone passes away. If you’re talking about a woman, say “Allah yerhamha,” and if you’re talking about a group of people, say “Allah yerhamhom.”

Section 1 of 6:

“Allah Yerhamo” Meaning

Download Article

“Allah yerhamo” translates to “May Allah have mercy on him.” “Allah yerhamo” ( الله يرحمه) is an Arabic expression and Islamic phrase that means “May Allah have mercy on him” or “May God have mercy on his soul.” This is a polite and respectful way to express your condolences when a man you know passes away or to reference a loved one who passed away. It’s similar to saying, “Rest in peace,” “May he rest in peace,” or “I’m sorry for your loss.”^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Arabic Spelling: الله يرحمه
- Pronunciation: “Ah-lah yar-hah-moh”
- Example sentences:
  - “Allah yerhamo. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazing man.”
  - “Your grandfather was a great guy. Allah yerhamo. I know he’s watching over you and feeling proud of who you’ve become.”

Section 2 of 6:

How to Use “Allah Yerhamo” Correctly

Download Article

Change the ending of “allah yerhamo” for different genders or groups. Like in many languages, you have to adjust a phrase depending on who you’re talking about. To talk about a man, woman, or multiple people, say:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Talking about a man: Allah yerhamo (May Allah have mercy on him)
- Talking about a woman: Allah yerhamha (May Allah have mercy on her)
- Talking about 2 people: Allah yerhamhma (May Allah have mercy on both of them)
- Talking about many people: Allah yerhamhom (May Allah have mercy on them)

Section 3 of 6:

When to Use “Allah Yerhamo”

Download Article

1
Say “Allah yerham-” when you hear someone passed away. When a family member or a friend’s loved one passes away, use this phrase to express your condolences. This is a compassionate and respectful way to offer your support to the deceased’s family and show them that they are not alone. It can also help comfort them and provide them with solace, as you are calling upon Allah to show the deceased mercy and forgiveness.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}
- Example Sentences:
  - “I’m heartbroken to hear about your friend’s passing. Allah yerhamha. She will be greatly missed.”
  - “I am so sorry for your loss. I feel so lucky to have known Omar. Allah yerhamo.”
2
Use “Allah yerham-” when talking about someone who passed away. Saying “Allah yerham-” is a kind and thoughtful way to express your love and admiration for a loved one who passed away and continue to pray for Allah’s mercy. It can also help you grieve their loss and find comfort. You can also say this phrase to show respect when referencing a friend’s loved one who passed away.
- Example Sentences:
  - “I wish Leila could have been here with us today. She always loved weddings. Allah yerhamha.”
  - “Remember when your mom would pick us up from school and get us ice cream? She was the kindest person I’ve ever met. Allah yerhamha.”
3
Say “Allah yerham-” when talking about a traumatic event or hardship. You can also use this phrase to express your sympathies when a loved one or someone you know is sick or experiencing difficulties. You can also say it more generally to show compassion for people you don’t know who are suffering or facing challenges.
- Example Sentences:
  - “I heard your uncle is in the hospital. Allah yerhamo. You’re in my prayers.”
  - “My heart hurts for all the people who’ve been displaced by the fires. Allah yerhamhom.”

Section 4 of 6:

Responding to “Allah Yerhamo”

Download Article

Thank the person or say “Ameen.” Saying “Allah yerham-” is similar to reciting a dua or prayer, as the person is asking Allah to have mercy and forgiveness on your loved one’s soul. So, it’s appropriate to respond with “Ameen” (the Arabic version of “amen,” or a reply to God). It’s also polite to respond to the condolences with a simple thank you for their sympathies.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Them: “My heart is breaking for you right now. I’m so sorry for your loss. Allah yerhamo.”
  You: “Ameen. Thank you for the kind words.”
- Them: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear about your sister’s passing. Allah yerhamha. You and your family are in my thoughts.”
  You: “Thank you so much.”

Section 5 of 6:

Is “Allah Yerhamo” in the Quran?

Download Article

“Allah yerhamo” is not in the Quran, but the importance of mercy is. While the phrase “Allah yerhamo” is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness is a recurring message. For instance, its importance is mentioned in:
- Surah Al-Baqarah: “Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. The believers pray, ‘Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord! Do not place a burden on us like the one you placed on those before us. Our Lord! Do not burden us with what we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our only Guardian. So grant us victory over the disbelieving people.’” [2:286]^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Surah At-Tawbah: “The believers, both men and women, are guardians of one another. They encourage good and forbid evil, establish prayer and pay alms-tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will be shown Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” [9:71]^{[6]
  X
  Research source}

Section 6 of 6:

Similar Expressions

Download Article

1
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon” is a dua from Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran that translates to “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.” People usually say this after they hear that someone passed away to offer their prayers, condolences, and comfort.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt’s passing.”
2
Rahimahullah “Rahimahullah” is a dua that roughly means “May God have mercy on him.” People usually say this when talking about an authority figure who passed away and who was known for their goodness and moral character, like a teacher, leader, or respected family member.
- “Malik would be so proud to see that you’re continuing his volunteer work. Rahimahullah.”
- If you’re talking about a woman, say “Rahimahallah.”
3
Rahmatul-lahi alaihi “Rahmatul-lahi alaihi” is another dua that translates to “May the mercy of Allah be upon him.” This expression is typically reserved for the Tabi’een (Muslims who followed the companions of the Prophet (PBUH)) and other revered Islamic scholars who’ve passed away.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- “I am grateful for Imam Abu Hanifa’s (Rahmatul-lahi alaihi) teachings.”