Masha Allah (Arabic: ما شاء الله, mā shāʾa llāhu), also Masha'Allah, is an Arabic phrase that means "God has willed", expresses appreciation, joy, praise, or thankfulness for an event or person that was just mentioned. While Masha'Allah is used as an expression of respect, it also serves as a reminder that all accomplishments are considered by Muslims to be achieved through the will of Allah. It is generally said upon hearing good news.
The triconsonantal root of shāʼ is šīn-yāʼ-hamza "to will", a doubly-weak root. The literal English translation is "God has willed it", the present perfect of God's will accentuating the essential Islamic doctrine of predestination.
The exact meaning of MASHALLAH is "what ALLAH wanted has happened"; it is used to say something good has happened, used in the past tense. INSHALLAH, literally "if ALLAH wills", is used similarly but to refer to a future event.
Person A: I have just become a father!
Person B: Masha Allah!
Person A: Your house is beautiful, Masha Allah!
Person B: Jazak Allahu khayran!
In some cultures, people may utter Masha Allah in the belief that it may help protect them from jealousy, the evil eye, or a jinn. However, in Islamic aqeeda (matters that are believed with certainty), it is understood that protection comes only from Allah.