la7awla لاحول
Tunisian Derja · expression
“la7awla” (لاحول) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning there is no power but God's.
Meanings
- there is no power but God's
- expression of dismay, exasperation
Usage
Lā ḥawla is the beginning of the religious formula "la 7awla wa la 9uwwata illa billah" (there is no power and no strength except in God). It is almost always said in full, or abbreviated as "la 7awla". It is used on hearing of a misfortune, a death or an accident, but also to express irritation at an absurdity or shocking behaviour. Depending on context, it can be rendered as "oh my God", "what a tragedy" or "this can't be happening". The tone, resigned or exasperated, carries much of the meaning.
Example
سمعت بالحادث؟ لاحول ولا قوة إلا بالله
sma3t bel 7adeth? la 7awla wa la 9uwwata illa billah
“Did you hear about the accident? There is no power and no strength except in God.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “la7awla” but also “lahawla”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.