We should be careful in religious words
that are foreign language in our vernacular when using them in social
communication. “Insha’Allah” is an Arabic word for “God willing” or “if Allah
wills” which is commonly use in Islamic world.
It is a religious phrase that is so pure, sensitive and dignified, thus
it is just ought to be used properly, honoured and respected. The phrase is about submission ourselves to
God. Meaning we put in God’s hands anything
we do and anything we want. It is said
when we are speaking about our plans and events that will come in the future, we
are still giving it all to God if He wants to happen. Everything is written, whatever you want no
matter how hard you do but if is not written in God’s plan it will not happen. All is depend on God.
However, many among us non-Muslim expatriates living or working in Islamic countries are misusing the words “Insha’Allah”. Most of the times, we often mistaken to mean it as “we hope”, “I hope” and misinterpreting when heard it from someone we talk with as “let’s see”. In a way could be yes but technically it connotes off-meaning. Don’t feel bad to think you cannot rely when you heard it, it is not false hope. Don’t take it for granted when saying while you mean is to pacify someone, it is not giving optimism. Do not get it wrong when using and understanding “Insha’Allah”.
I heard a convincing explanation from a supervisor describing the meaning of “Insha’Allah”. She said people have misunderstood the meaning of this phrase as negative response because they thought it means a resounding “no”, “I hope so”, “whatever”. She said the exact translation of this in English is “in God’s will” meaning everything and anything is under God’s will. No matter how we wanted something but if God doesn’t want it will not happen. The future is not in our hands anymore.
She cited the papers that she needs to sign as an example. Even she really wanted to approve them and even she’s hundred per cent confident sure about the approval but if God doesn’t want to make it happen, it will not happen. The papers could be lost, mess up or whatever obstruction that will result to being useless of her approving the paper. That is why even she knows she will approve it, she still has to say “in God’s will” because nobody knows what will happen next between now until the moment she sign the paper.
It is just pretty degrading to hear fellowmen using this blessed phrase in wrong way. Don’t act to sound good by saying without knowing what you’re really saying. Better do not pronounce it if you are non-Muslim if you will just lose it sacredness because it sounds annoying. If someone asked if will you or will you not and you want to answer you do not know, do not say “Insha’Allah”. It is not “bahala na” in Philippines language that we use when we do not know the thing. It is not “que serra, serra” that so be it whatever will happen. If you are praying something, do not say “Insha’Allah” because it is not the password that will grant your wishes. If you are answering inquiry from someone who wants to get something, do not utter the phrase to give hope as it is not about good luck or bad luck. It is not fortune but the will of the God.
However, many among us non-Muslim expatriates living or working in Islamic countries are misusing the words “Insha’Allah”. Most of the times, we often mistaken to mean it as “we hope”, “I hope” and misinterpreting when heard it from someone we talk with as “let’s see”. In a way could be yes but technically it connotes off-meaning. Don’t feel bad to think you cannot rely when you heard it, it is not false hope. Don’t take it for granted when saying while you mean is to pacify someone, it is not giving optimism. Do not get it wrong when using and understanding “Insha’Allah”.
I heard a convincing explanation from a supervisor describing the meaning of “Insha’Allah”. She said people have misunderstood the meaning of this phrase as negative response because they thought it means a resounding “no”, “I hope so”, “whatever”. She said the exact translation of this in English is “in God’s will” meaning everything and anything is under God’s will. No matter how we wanted something but if God doesn’t want it will not happen. The future is not in our hands anymore.
She cited the papers that she needs to sign as an example. Even she really wanted to approve them and even she’s hundred per cent confident sure about the approval but if God doesn’t want to make it happen, it will not happen. The papers could be lost, mess up or whatever obstruction that will result to being useless of her approving the paper. That is why even she knows she will approve it, she still has to say “in God’s will” because nobody knows what will happen next between now until the moment she sign the paper.
It is just pretty degrading to hear fellowmen using this blessed phrase in wrong way. Don’t act to sound good by saying without knowing what you’re really saying. Better do not pronounce it if you are non-Muslim if you will just lose it sacredness because it sounds annoying. If someone asked if will you or will you not and you want to answer you do not know, do not say “Insha’Allah”. It is not “bahala na” in Philippines language that we use when we do not know the thing. It is not “que serra, serra” that so be it whatever will happen. If you are praying something, do not say “Insha’Allah” because it is not the password that will grant your wishes. If you are answering inquiry from someone who wants to get something, do not utter the phrase to give hope as it is not about good luck or bad luck. It is not fortune but the will of the God.
By
Alex V. Villamayor
February
8, 2014
2 comments:
amen....huhuhu
As a muslim, we put all our trust in the Almighty Creator, Allah (swt). Inshaa Allah, which means in Him we give all decision, In Him we offer everthing...Allahu Akbar.
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