Day 30: Insha'Allah

Dear Family-

I have gotten to know a new word here in wonderland. It is the word "Insha'Allah". Translated this means "God willing" or "If it is God's will". Traditionally, its is used to indicate a desire for something to happen or to indicate that you want God's blessing for what you are about to do. For example, if you wish to do something that is very difficult, you would say "Insha'Allah" to ask for God's blessing.

This word also has a "dark" side as it is also a nice way of blowing someone off. For example, you ask the repairman to come and fix the lousy internet service in your apartment. He may respond with, "Yes boss, I will be there tomorrow at 2 PM, Insha'Allah." The "Insha'Allah" gives the nice repairman the excuse not to not show up or call. When 4 PM rolls around and no one has shown up, you can automatically assume that God did not will this to happen and the repairman won't be coming. This phrase also can be used in conversation around the office. Lets say that your boss asks one of your coworkers to finish a project. Your coworker could say, "Sure, I will have it done tomorrow". If they want to tell your boss to go pound sand (without saying "go pound sand") they would say, "Sure, I will have it done tomorrow, Insha'Allah".

There you have it. One word with two possible uses.

Love you!