Christians of major denominations and smaller divisions alike, often say that something “is God’s will”, “God works in mysterious ways” or “His will be done” in reaction to dramatic events such as death. They also frequently speak about “God’s plan”, which implies belief that everything happens according to the Maker’s design. Generally, Christian theology, while acknowledging God is all-seeing and omnipotent, does not endorse a deterministic interpretation.
Muslims have a more pronounced attitude on the role of God in unfolding events and believe that everything is under God’s guidance and control. This is certainly the case on the part of more traditional Muslims. They submit to following God’s law as defined in the Quran and the teachings and behavior of the prophet Muhammad. Assuming to know more than that about God’s plan is a major apostasy. When speaking about something that might happen in the near or far future they will invariably say “Inshallah”, which means “God willing”. While it is unusual, people have been killed for failing to mention that disclaimer when speaking confidently that something specific would happen at a specific time.
Having studied Islam extensively and been among Muslims countless times over a few decades engendered a strong awareness of this practice. I understood it academically very early in my contact with Muslims. In time it made an indelible impression on me to regard thinking or saying “Inshallah” in the appropriate circumstances. Not doing so is very presumptuous. Perhaps becoming older, wiser and more aware of the fragility of life itself and fulfilling plans increases understanding of uncertainty.
Some regard this Islamic practice as a means of avoiding commitment or building an escape clause into a promise or pledge. In some cases that might well be true. Others consider the utterance of the word as a strong indication of niggardliness among a people who customarily had little regard for punctuality. Supposedly, President Kennedy asked an Arab diplomat if the word was not similar to or the same as the Spanish word “manana”. The Arab is supposed to have responded “Yes, but it does not convey the same sense of urgency”.
You will read this, “Inshallah”.
Muslims have a more pronounced attitude on the role of God in unfolding events and believe that everything is under God’s guidance and control. This is certainly the case on the part of more traditional Muslims. They submit to following God’s law as defined in the Quran and the teachings and behavior of the prophet Muhammad. Assuming to know more than that about God’s plan is a major apostasy. When speaking about something that might happen in the near or far future they will invariably say “Inshallah”, which means “God willing”. While it is unusual, people have been killed for failing to mention that disclaimer when speaking confidently that something specific would happen at a specific time.
Having studied Islam extensively and been among Muslims countless times over a few decades engendered a strong awareness of this practice. I understood it academically very early in my contact with Muslims. In time it made an indelible impression on me to regard thinking or saying “Inshallah” in the appropriate circumstances. Not doing so is very presumptuous. Perhaps becoming older, wiser and more aware of the fragility of life itself and fulfilling plans increases understanding of uncertainty.
Some regard this Islamic practice as a means of avoiding commitment or building an escape clause into a promise or pledge. In some cases that might well be true. Others consider the utterance of the word as a strong indication of niggardliness among a people who customarily had little regard for punctuality. Supposedly, President Kennedy asked an Arab diplomat if the word was not similar to or the same as the Spanish word “manana”. The Arab is supposed to have responded “Yes, but it does not convey the same sense of urgency”.
You will read this, “Inshallah”.
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