You have probably heard the Arabic phrase ‘Radi Allahu Anhu’ used after the names of the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his wives, and many noble personalities in the Islamic world.
Adding Radi Allahu Anhu after the names of these individuals is a way to show respect and gratitude to them. This is practiced by Muslims globally, and this blog will highlight the key concepts behind it.
We will discuss the meaning of Radi Allahu Anhu in English, including its transliteration, translation, and Arabic text.
Radi Allahu Anhu in Arabic
Here is the Arabic text of Radi Allahu Anhu.
رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ
Radi Allahu Anhu in English transliteration
Here is the English translation of Radi Allahu Anhu.
Raḍī Allāhu ʿanhu
How to pronounce Radi Allahu Anhu?
For those of you who don’t know Arabic. Here is the easy way to pronounce Radi Allahu Anhu.
- Raa-Di
- Allah-Hu
- Aan-Hu
Radi Allahu Anhu in English translation
The English translation of Radi Allahu Anhu is ‘May Allah be pleased with him.’ We use Radi Allahu Anhaan for women, which means ‘May Allah be pleased with her.’
Radi Allahu Anhu meaning & definition
The meaning of this Arabic phrase can be defined from its translation, which is May Allah be pleased with him or her. This is to show respect and regard the companions of the Holy Propeht (PBUH) as one of the best humans.
By saying Radi Allahu Anhu, ‘May Allah be pleased with him,’ we are asking Allah to bless them because of their services in spreading Islam.
Radi Allahu Anhu’s different variations
Here are different variations of Radi Allahu Anhu.
Category | Transliteration | Arabic Phrase |
---|---|---|
Male Companion | Raḍī Allāhu ʿanhu | رضي الله عنه |
Female Companion | Raḍī Allāhu ʿanhā | رضي الله عنها |
Group of Companions | Raḍī Allāhu ʿanhum | رضي الله عنهم |
Two Companions (Dual) | Raḍī Allāhu ʿanhumā | رضي الله عنهما |
Radi Allahu Anhu in the Holy Quran
Radi Allahu Anhu has appeared in a few verses of the Holy Quran. Some of these are mentioned below with context.
In Surah At-Tawbah Verse 100, Allah is giving good news to the first believers who migrated from Mecca to Medina and those who were in Medina (Al-Ansar) who accepted Islam and refugies. The good news is Paradis will have gardens and rivers flowing under them forever.
Translation: As for the foremost—the first of the Emigrants and the Helpers—and those who follow them in goodness, Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. That is the ultimate triumph. Here is the dua for Jannah, which you should memorize.
In Surah Al-Bayyinah, Allah says that those who disbelieved the Prophet (PBUH), the book (Quran), and the idea of Polytheism will be in Hellfire. And those who believe they are the best of all beings. In Verse 8, the word ‘Radi Allahu Anhu’ apperas with translation ‘Allah is pleased.’
Translation: Their reward with their Lord will be Gardens of Eternity, under which rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. This is ˹only˺ for those in awe of their Lord. —Surah Al-Bayyinah Verse 8
In Surah Al-Fath Verse 18, the Quran says that Allah is pleased with the believers when they allied with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In this verse, the meaning of Radi Allahu Anhal can be translated as Allah is pleased with the believers.
Translation: Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you ˹O Prophet˺ under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down serenity upon them and rewarded them with a victory at hand. —Surah Al-Fath Verse 18
By examining the three verses from the Holy Quran, we can surely say that the meaning of Radi Allahu Anhu is Allah is pleased with him/her/them.
Do we have Radi Allahu Anhu in Hadiths?
Yes, we have thousands of Hadiths that have the word Radi Allahu Anhu. The names of popular companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) are denoted by it.
Here are a few names denoted by (RA) — Radi Allahu Anhu.
- Ansa (RA)
- Ibn Umm Maktum (RA)
Hadith: Narrated Anas (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) appointed Ibn Umm Maktum (RA) to lead the people in prayer in his absence, and he [Ibn Umm Maktum (RA)] was blind. — Bulugh al-Maram Book 2 Hadith 332
- Umar (RA)
- Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
- Abdur-Rahman bin Auf (RA)
Hadith: Narrated Ibrahim’s grand-father that ‘Umar(ra) in his last Hajj allowed the wives of the Prophet(PBUH)to perform Hajj and he sent with them ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan(ra) and ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf(ra) as escorts. —Sahih al-Bukhari 1860
The wives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are also denoted by (RA).
Hadith: Narrated ‘Aishah (RA) that Sauda (RA) daughter of Zam’ah gave away her day to ‘Aishah (RA). So the Prophet (PBUH) allotted a share to ‘Aishah (RA) of her day and Sauda’s. —Bulugh al-Maram Book 8 Hadith 108
We add (RA) or Radi Allahu Anhu after the names of companions and wives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to show respect and admire their efforts in spreading the message of Allah.
What is the symbol for Radi Allahu Anhu? 
RA or (RA) is the most common symbol for Radi Allahu Anhu. However, we use the Arabic symbol of Radi Allahu Anhu in Arabic and Urdu books.
Wrap Up
We have discussed the meaning and definition of Radi Allahu Anhu from the Holy Quran and Sahih Hadiths. We have also shed light on when to use Radi Allahu Anhu and its different variations.
We hope you will like this guide and will share it with other Muslims. You can also check out our online Islamic course, which has discussed the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions in detail, or Learn Noorani Qaida online to read the Holy Quran.