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Friday, March 28, 2014

Qatariïsms: In šāʾ Allāh

The term is not necessarily specific to Qatar, but it is heard here often. It is used by Arabs and Westerners alike. Generally pronounced "in-sha-lah," the phrase literally means "if Allah wills" or "if Allah is willing." There are even Qur'anic practices that encourage the concept.
Inshallah in Arabic
 There are many applications in local daily life:

One might be heard saying he will go somewhere or do something, inshallah – so there it is the intent to do something in the future.

Or, in some cases, one might say he will accomplish something tomorrow, inshallah – in a sense, barring any unforeseen complications.

It can also express the hope that something will be done outside one’s control – a sort of “hopefully that will happen” (similar to the derivative Spanish word ojala).

Others here in Doha use it when they have no intention of ever doing whatever it is they say.  Inshallah, I will get that done, inshallah” – a sort of “we’ll see, but don’t count on it.”

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