كفى الله المؤمنين القتال
kafa Allah al-mu'minin al-qital
God spared believers from fighting
Meaning
An unexpected event resolved a difficult situation, preventing conflict.
Cultural Background
Egyptians use this phrase very frequently in bureaucratic contexts. If a government office closes early just as you were about to have an argument with a clerk, you'll hear this from everyone in the queue. In the Levant, it's often used in family mediation. If a 'Sulha' (reconciliation session) is successful before it turns into a feud, the elders will recite this as a blessing. In the Gulf, the phrase maintains a slightly more formal and pious tone. It is often used in business to signal that a deal was reached without the need for aggressive bargaining. While used, it is sometimes replaced by local Darija expressions of 'Baraka' (blessing), but the classical form remains well-understood and respected in formal speech.
The 'Sigh' Factor
Always say this with a visible sigh of relief. It's 50% words and 50% body language.
Grammar Trap
Don't say 'Mu'minun'. Even if you forget why, just remember 'in' sounds more like 'in the clear'.
Meaning
An unexpected event resolved a difficult situation, preventing conflict.
The 'Sigh' Factor
Always say this with a visible sigh of relief. It's 50% words and 50% body language.
Grammar Trap
Don't say 'Mu'minun'. Even if you forget why, just remember 'in' sounds more like 'in the clear'.
Non-Muslim Usage
It is perfectly fine for non-Muslims to use this; it is seen as a sign of high cultural integration.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
كفى الله ________ القتال.
The word must be in the accusative case (Mansub) for a sound masculine plural.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'كفى الله المؤمنين القتال'?
A) You studied hard and got an A. B) You were about to get a ticket, but the officer's radio called him away. C) You bought a new car.
The phrase is for unexpected relief from a problem, not for personal achievements.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل ستذهب للمحكمة غداً؟ سامي: لا، لقد تنازل خصمي عن القضية، و....
This is the most natural idiomatic response to a legal case being dropped unexpectedly.
What is the literal meaning of 'القتال' in this phrase?
القتال يعني:
Qital comes from the root Q-T-L (to kill/fight).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesكفى الله ________ القتال.
The word must be in the accusative case (Mansub) for a sound masculine plural.
A) You studied hard and got an A. B) You were about to get a ticket, but the officer's radio called him away. C) You bought a new car.
The phrase is for unexpected relief from a problem, not for personal achievements.
أحمد: هل ستذهب للمحكمة غداً؟ سامي: لا، لقد تنازل خصمي عن القضية، و....
This is the most natural idiomatic response to a legal case being dropped unexpectedly.
القتال يعني:
Qital comes from the root Q-T-L (to kill/fight).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's used for any conflict, argument, or even a difficult task like an exam or a long meeting.
Not really. It implies the solution came from outside or from God, not your own effort.
Because of its Quranic origin, but in modern use, it refers to 'us' or 'the people involved'.
It can be used humorously (e.g., when a boring guest leaves early), and it's usually not seen as rude.
Related Phrases
جت سليمة
similarIt came out safe/fine.
رب ضارة نافعة
similarA harmful thing might be beneficial.
انتهى الأمر
similarThe matter is over.
لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله
builds onThere is no power but in God.
