Hawqala

The Ḥawla (Arabic: حَوْلَة) or the LaHawla (Arabic: لَا حَوْلَ) is an Arabic term referring to the Arabic statement لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّٰهِ (lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāhⁱ), which is usually translated as "There is no power nor strength except by God."

Arabic calligraphy of the Hawqala

The expression Ḥawqala is used by Muslims during times of calamity, oppression, or situations beyond their control, invoking complete reliance on Allah’s power and strength. It is a form of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), often recited to seek divine help and affirm that no power or strength exists except through Allah. The word Ḥawqala is a portmanteau (or naḥt) of ḥawla (power) and quwwata (strength).^[1]

A longer version is لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّٰهِ ٱلْعَلِيِّ ٱلْعَظِيمِ (lā ḥawla welā quwwata illā billāhil- aliyyi l-aẓīmⁱ), meaning "There is no power nor strength except by God (Allah) help and assistance".

See also

• Basmala
• Tasbih
• Dhikr