mashallah — the magic word
Across the region there’s a quiet belief that admiration, even kind admiration, can carry al-ʻayn (the eye) — so blessings are added to soften it. It explains a lot of everyday speech.
Admiring a baby, a new car, someone’s success? Add ما شاء الله — it turns a compliment into a blessing rather than a possible curse. Leaving it out can make people quietly uneasy, especially around children.
If someone praises you or your things, a light mā shāʾ allāh or allah yisallimak (God keep you) returns the warmth and deflects the eye.
You’ll see the khamsa (خمسة, “five” — the hand of Fatima) and blue eye-beads on doorways, cars and jewellery, all to guard against the eye. “خمسة وخميسة” is said half-jokingly to ward off envy.