Meaning
Stating that something cannot be done or achieved.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often countered with 'Insha'Allah' or 'Nothing is impossible for God' in religious contexts. Egyptians use 'Mesh momken' (not possible) to mean 'I can't believe how great/bad this is.' In the Levant, 'Mustahīl' is often used with a specific melodic intonation to show deep skepticism. The 'Three Impossibilities' (al-Mustahīlāt al-Thalātha) are a famous literary trope: the phoenix, the ghoul, and the loyal friend.
Use it for shock
Don't just use it for logic. Use it when a friend tells you a crazy story to show you are listening!
Careful with bosses
Saying 'Mustahīl' to a boss can sound like you are refusing to work. Use 'Sa'b' instead.
Meaning
Stating that something cannot be done or achieved.
Use it for shock
Don't just use it for logic. Use it when a friend tells you a crazy story to show you are listening!
Careful with bosses
Saying 'Mustahīl' to a boss can sound like you are refusing to work. Use 'Sa'b' instead.
The 'Insha'Allah' factor
Remember that many people believe nothing is truly impossible if God wills it.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase.
هذه الخطة ______.
Since 'al-khitta' (the plan) is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.
Complete the sentence using the 'Min al-mustahīl' pattern.
______ أن نسافر بدون جواز سفر.
When followed by 'an' and a verb, 'Min al-mustahīl' is the standard formal structure.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks you to fly by flapping your arms.
Flying by flapping arms is a physical impossibility.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural expression.
أحمد: هل يمكننا إنهاء هذا الكتاب في ساعة؟ أنت: ______، الكتاب طويل جداً.
Reading a whole book in an hour is impossible, so 'Hādhā mustahīl' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهذه الخطة ______.
Since 'al-khitta' (the plan) is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.
______ أن نسافر بدون جواز سفر.
When followed by 'an' and a verb, 'Min al-mustahīl' is the standard formal structure.
Someone asks you to fly by flapping your arms.
Flying by flapping arms is a physical impossibility.
أحمد: هل يمكننا إنهاء هذا الكتاب في ساعة؟ أنت: ______، الكتاب طويل جداً.
Reading a whole book in an hour is impossible, so 'Hādhā mustahīl' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine for texting. You can even shorten it to just 'Mustahīl!' as a reaction.
Mustahīl is standard and common. Muhāl is more poetic and formal, often used in literature.
Yes, 'Shakhs mustahīl' can mean someone who is impossible to deal with or very difficult.
You say 'Shibh mustahīl' (شبه مستحيل).
No, the phrase 'Hādhā mustahīl' stays the same unless the *thing* you are talking about is feminine.
The opposite is 'Mumkin' (ممكن) or 'Mustatā'' (مستطاع).
Yes, but be polite. 'Min al-mustahīl an aqbala...' is better than just 'Mustahīl!'
That is the letter 'Hā' (ح), which is part of the root S-H-L. It's essential for the meaning.
The concept of impossibility is discussed, but the specific word 'mustahīl' is more common in later theological and modern Arabic.
Use 'Laysa mustahīlan' (ليس مستحيلاً).
Related Phrases
غير ممكن
synonymNot possible
من المحال
synonymFrom the impossible
صعب جداً
contrastVery difficult
من سابع المستحيلات
specialized formOne of the seven impossibilities
