Insha'Allah(2)

 It's customary for Muslims to add "Insha'Allah (God willing)" to the end of their promises or when talking about the future, and I think this is a great idea. I think this is something that everyone, even non-Muslims, and indeed all living beings, should say.

Whenever someone expresses optimistic aspirations for the future like, "I will do this!"

I always think, "What an irresponsible thing to say! It's like they're in control of the future. You're free to express your hopes, but how do you know they're in line with God's will? Don't you understand that nothing that doesn't conform to God's will will ever come true?"

These encouraging words are everywhere, like "humans can do anything if they try" and "our possibilities are endless," but whenever I hear them, I can see the underlying human arrogance, the arrogance that forgets God and thinks humans control the world. If it's not in line with God's will, nothing you do is possible, and there are zero possibilities.

So, how should we say it?

Say it like this:

"I will do this, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"I will win next year, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"I will aim for the gold medal next time, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"I will pass next year, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"I will increase sales by 30% next year, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"We will win so many seats next time, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

"We will aim for economic growth of XX percent next year, God willing (Insha'Allah)."

By saying this, we are placing God's will above human free will. This is a sign of our recognition of God's absolute sovereignty over the future. In other words, it's a declaration of faith. And every time a Muslim says "Insha'Allah," God smiles upon us, and the original sin of disobedience is purified. So, every time we mention the future,

if we add "God willing,"

God will smile and original sin will be erased.

But, when you look back at your past, have you ever had anything go as you hoped? So many of your plans have failed. Huh? Not you? You always walked the walk, you say? That's impressive. At least I've had a mountain of failed plans. But I think other people are similar. After all, politicians and athletes don't always do what they say they do. How long did Hitler's Thousand-Year Reich last?

I went from Buddhism to Christianity, but I'm gradually becoming more like Islam. Isn't this fine, God willing (Insha'Allah)?

Let love and mercy guide me.

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