Insha Allah being said for noncommittal things is so funny to me. This whole post reminds me of lots of AAVE like saying “God is good all the time” and expecting someone else to say it back with oomph “AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD”. “If the Lord sees fit”- used id say more for dramatic flair and like Insha Allah. “Bless his heart”- poor thing. “Won’t he do it”- praise for a blessing God has given. “Good God” -said in shock & awe of something.
I love those examples of AAVE... It is very funny lol. I know there are stories of kids asking their parents to do something, and the parent says "insha Allah" and then the kid is like, "do you mean insha Allah yes, or Insha Allah I'm just stringing you along" lol.
I am very familiar with some of these terms hahah and have even noticed they use them a lot even in Turkish shows. In Spanish, they have the phrase "Ojalá" which has the meaning of "insha Allah" and likely might have come from the influence of the Moors in Andalucía. Very interesting to read a bit more in depth about them. I am not Muslim but it's very cool to see the influence of other cultures intertwined with your own.
Yes! Turkish would definitely include some of these, and Ojala as far as I know did actually come from insha Allah so you're spot on. It's fascinating how our cultures are all connected...
Thank you for the explainer! This was so interesting to read. There are similar words/phrases used in Japanese: "shōganai" roughly translates to "it is what it is and nothing can be done about it" and "chotto" (literally means 'a little bit') plus some teeth sucking and a "hmm" means "it's not a good idea..." but they would never say it outright 😂
Are you fluent in Arabic, Noha? I’m thinking about taking classes when I return to the UK next year. Such a beautiful language, and would love to be able to read some to get stuck into some of the texts and maps from the Islamic Golden Age. So little of that scholarship has been translated into English
I am, I think! I guess it all depends how you define fluent, lol. I can read, write, and speak, although when I speak I am liable to make a mistake here or there that outs me as a child of the diaspora - Arabic grammar is VERY particular so it's easy to make mistakes even if your pronunciation is good.
I think you should go for it. It's a deep, rich language and the language is tied up so deeply in the culture so I think it would be right up your alley.
This is a great post, Noha. May readers share it with others, insha’Allah. I sometimes say Insha’Allah around non-Muslims. One time this woman thought I said ENCHILADA! 🤣🤣
Spanish is my first language and in my family we always say Si Dios quiere at the end or being of a sentence. We mention God all the time when we say, Adios- to God.
Loved this, Noha! The Muslim vernacular has been hugely influential to so many in the Arab region, because even within my Christian family I grew up hearing these words and now regularly use them too. The worst was hearing “insha allah” anytime I asked my parents for something -- a kid just *knows* that that’s a “no” 😂
What’s been really interesting to me has been the recent use of the words by English speakers who have no relation to Islam or the Arab word or Arabic. I think it’s a trend that maybe started on Twitter or tiktok but the American kids are now saying inshallah and mashallah, even the secular ones! I think the words are fitting and impactful in so many situations, and I’m not sure how everyone else feels about this since they do have a religious basis, but I like hearing Americans using Arabic words in public. Our language used to cause so much fear out here in the west, ESPECIALLY any words relating to “allah,” and the fact that young American people are adopting the language into their own vernacular feels like a tide turning (it could also be considered appropriation like the way AAVE was co-opted by white Americans too. So far I’ve only ever heard mashallah/inshallah used respectfully). I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this phenomenon!
Lala, I'm so glad you brought this up because I was thinking about the fact that Christian Arabs use insha Allah and Masha Allah too! After all, Allah literally means God so it's not even a Muslim only word. I probably should have found a way to fit that into the essay lol but I was really struggling with this one 😅.
I feel the same way as you in that I actually love the fact that our words are being incorporated into common North American speech. I think we (Arabs/Muslims) are slowly experiencing the mainstreaming of our culture, which, like you said, will help to negate the associated fear (and fear mongering) insha Allah.
Speaking of the fear, if you watch Ramy Youssef's entire opening monologue, he talks about being in MAGA country and getting a call from him mom and not wanting to speak Arabic on the phone - it's hilarious but also so relatable...
I’ll have to watch his monologue, I had no idea he was hosting SNL! I adore ramy so much. To be honest I remember even 10 years ago I felt weird speaking in Arabic on the phone with my parents on public transit here in Boston. I haven’t noticed the weird looks in recent years
If you can, don't just watch the monologue - watch the "Immigrant Dads talk show" and the "Ozempic for Ramadan" sketches too. I died laughing at them...
Yes there is good in all people; and there is evil; if the evil is confused about respect they dominate and suppress; the end result is a confused state of mind called cognitive dissonance; you know harm to children is wrong but you socially accept it or be beaten...that is the world we all live in; some speak against it, some can not. Who would be best to follow??? Those who can or those who can not??? Certainly not those that will not...???
"It’s a constant pull back to humility when we’re flying high, staving off that worst of sins, arrogance."
I love this! I (lacking the cultural context of Islam and just picking up on what I hear) always thought of "masha'allah" as a way of saying "congratulations, god chose YOU specifically for this great thing, you must be very worthy in his eyes!" But the way you explain it totally makes sense. It sounds like the subtext is maybe a little closer to the phrase in Christian traditions "the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away"--god willed this good thing for you today, but it's not because you're some chosen one...it's because everything is in his hands, and he may present you with a challenge tomorrow.
Yes, I LOVE the reminder of humility. "You did this and you are great, but it wasn't 'just you'". So many calls back to humility, and I'm grateful for them all (as you say, easier said than done, but I appreciate being reminded). Masha Allah was also fun for me to read about because one of my nicknames is "Masha", which is the Russian nickname for Maria (the Marie part of my name in my case). So one of my names is a constant call to humility, which I need so often. I love how even when words don't mean the same thing in different languages, somehow the sounds still call us in.
Really enjoyed this! I live in a majority Muslim neighbourhood, just outside Paris (mainly Algerians), and I always overhear these phrases peppered into conversations between neighbours. Your questions made me think about the fact that phrases like "thank God" or even "oh my God" were obviously originally meant as genuine invocations to the divine, but over time are just used as general turns of phrase. As a Catholic I try to avoid using those phrases unless I am actually trying to invoke God, and I'd say in some Catholic/Christian circles you hear "God willing" or "thanks be to God", but I only use those with friends who I know are actively practising Christians as I think it sounds a bit extra to others haha.
I love the connections you're making, Gina. Oh my God or oh God is basically "Ya Allah" - we say that too. Lately I've been hearing it in a lot of videos coming out of Gaza in response to the horror, but it can also be used to express amazement.
Yes, I realize how often our (English language) "exclamations" and even swear words (literal curses) have really strong implications and we just say them! I just say them! I'm pretty bad about it, especially in traffic or when surprised or frustrated, but I'm trying little by little to lessen and eliminate what I can. So helpful to be mindful of our speech.
Just want to drop in, my non-Muslim coworkers have no idea the effort it takes to not say Insha’Allah during meetings! And on that note, it bugs me how some Muslims downplay the importance of that phrase. Like yes even if it’s not used with good intent, I think still for most of us it’s not a flat out no but like you said, on a scale of hopefulness. I’m glad you made that distinction. We’re not disrespecting Allah. And my favorite saying from poet Tariq Toure, “Insha’Allah your insha’Allah’s become Masha’Allah’s.”
The struggle is real lol... I have an easier time in English not using these phrases because I've code switched in English for my whole life. My Arabic has almost always been spoken in religious contexts, so I find it SOOOOOOOOO hard not to incorporate these phrases. I actually don't even have the equivalent secular vocabulary in Arabic half the time.
I love love love that Tariq Toure quote - I'm going to note it down for future use.
That’s so interesting! Might be a bit off topic but moving to California was a challenge for me. I didn’t realize how bluntly we talk in New Orleans. People speak more thoughtfully here so I have to be more careful how I speak. When in doubt I preface with “I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to say…”
Not off topic at all! I love that you just preface it so you can say what you need to say. I just replied to Celia in another comment about how I struggled with Arabic culture being very roundabout while Canadians (or Westerners) are generally more direct.
Yes, that's the main way Bismillah is used. It means "In the name of God" - so it's used before eating - akin to saying grace? Sometimes it's also used before starting something significant or important. Sort of like taking a deep breath and saying, "here we go."
The pilot story was hilarious. Samantha has such a great way of explaining life in Egypt from an outsider's perspective.
I love this post. Thanks for peeling the curtain back and adding context to phrases I hear often from friends. I’m now fighting the urge to use it with my Muslim friends as I’m worried it will cause them to roll their eyes aggressively 😂😂😂
Thank you so much for this wonderful explainer, Noha! I thought I was fairly familiar with the meanings, but I'm glad I expanded my knowledge and learned something new.
A questionbif I may - is it acceptable or frowned upon if a non-Muslim uses any of these terms when talking to Muslim friends? Would it be seen as respectful or as too much/overstepping? Maybe it's something that is decided on a case to case basis?
My favorite way to remember the difference between Insha Allah and Masha Allah is the Finding Nemo meme. Before he’s found, Insha Allah they find him. After he’s found, Masha Allah they found him 😂
One of my favorite examples of African diasporic speech was pointed out by my undergrad professor of African American Studies, Dr. Carr. He opened the class by talking about how important inflection is in AAVE and many of the other African diasporic languages. We can impart so many different meanings to the word “wow” with the volume or length of time we say the word.
I haven't seen that meme! Now I want to go looking for it.
Yes to inflection! It's so significant to so many languages like you say. Arabic is very expressive as well (or at least the Egyptian dialect) and sometimes I have to remember to tone it down in English so I'm not too over the top lol.
Reading this makes me envious. I feel uncomfortable even saying "God bless you" when somebody sneezes! Not sure why in my corner of the world God became a word that makes me sound old fashioned or (gasp!) unsophisticated. I'd so love to breathe the name in and out constantly--every phrase an offering. Loved learning these nuances, too. Tuesdays are my favorite Substack day :)
Oh Isabel, you've reminded me of what we say after a sneeze. It's a whole call and response lol... The sneezer says "Alhamdulillah" (praise and thanks be to God), the responder says "Yarhamukum Allah" (may God have mercy on you) and then the sneezer answers AGAIN with "Yahdeekum Allah wa yuslih baalakum" (May God guide you and make all your affairs/circumstances good).
I like to think that all these words and phrases remind us to breathe the name in and out, as you say, so that we're connecting even when he's not on our mind.
I get what you mean about seeming old-fashioned or unsophisticated. Religion is definitely not fashionable these days, but I think it may be making an organic comeback. Regardless, I'm ok being old fashioned, even though I wanted so desperately to be cool when I was younger 😅
Insha Allah being said for noncommittal things is so funny to me. This whole post reminds me of lots of AAVE like saying “God is good all the time” and expecting someone else to say it back with oomph “AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD”. “If the Lord sees fit”- used id say more for dramatic flair and like Insha Allah. “Bless his heart”- poor thing. “Won’t he do it”- praise for a blessing God has given. “Good God” -said in shock & awe of something.
I love those examples of AAVE... It is very funny lol. I know there are stories of kids asking their parents to do something, and the parent says "insha Allah" and then the kid is like, "do you mean insha Allah yes, or Insha Allah I'm just stringing you along" lol.
I am very familiar with some of these terms hahah and have even noticed they use them a lot even in Turkish shows. In Spanish, they have the phrase "Ojalá" which has the meaning of "insha Allah" and likely might have come from the influence of the Moors in Andalucía. Very interesting to read a bit more in depth about them. I am not Muslim but it's very cool to see the influence of other cultures intertwined with your own.
Yes! Turkish would definitely include some of these, and Ojala as far as I know did actually come from insha Allah so you're spot on. It's fascinating how our cultures are all connected...
Thank you for the explainer! This was so interesting to read. There are similar words/phrases used in Japanese: "shōganai" roughly translates to "it is what it is and nothing can be done about it" and "chotto" (literally means 'a little bit') plus some teeth sucking and a "hmm" means "it's not a good idea..." but they would never say it outright 😂
Lol I love this so much! I think there's a lot of these phrases across the world - ever is the human experience the same.
Absolutely - would love to learn about them all...
Are you fluent in Arabic, Noha? I’m thinking about taking classes when I return to the UK next year. Such a beautiful language, and would love to be able to read some to get stuck into some of the texts and maps from the Islamic Golden Age. So little of that scholarship has been translated into English
I am, I think! I guess it all depends how you define fluent, lol. I can read, write, and speak, although when I speak I am liable to make a mistake here or there that outs me as a child of the diaspora - Arabic grammar is VERY particular so it's easy to make mistakes even if your pronunciation is good.
I think you should go for it. It's a deep, rich language and the language is tied up so deeply in the culture so I think it would be right up your alley.
This is a great post, Noha. May readers share it with others, insha’Allah. I sometimes say Insha’Allah around non-Muslims. One time this woman thought I said ENCHILADA! 🤣🤣
Spanish is my first language and in my family we always say Si Dios quiere at the end or being of a sentence. We mention God all the time when we say, Adios- to God.
ENCHILADA I am dying laughing. Also I never realized Adios was to God. How cool!
Loved this, Noha! The Muslim vernacular has been hugely influential to so many in the Arab region, because even within my Christian family I grew up hearing these words and now regularly use them too. The worst was hearing “insha allah” anytime I asked my parents for something -- a kid just *knows* that that’s a “no” 😂
What’s been really interesting to me has been the recent use of the words by English speakers who have no relation to Islam or the Arab word or Arabic. I think it’s a trend that maybe started on Twitter or tiktok but the American kids are now saying inshallah and mashallah, even the secular ones! I think the words are fitting and impactful in so many situations, and I’m not sure how everyone else feels about this since they do have a religious basis, but I like hearing Americans using Arabic words in public. Our language used to cause so much fear out here in the west, ESPECIALLY any words relating to “allah,” and the fact that young American people are adopting the language into their own vernacular feels like a tide turning (it could also be considered appropriation like the way AAVE was co-opted by white Americans too. So far I’ve only ever heard mashallah/inshallah used respectfully). I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this phenomenon!
Lala, I'm so glad you brought this up because I was thinking about the fact that Christian Arabs use insha Allah and Masha Allah too! After all, Allah literally means God so it's not even a Muslim only word. I probably should have found a way to fit that into the essay lol but I was really struggling with this one 😅.
I feel the same way as you in that I actually love the fact that our words are being incorporated into common North American speech. I think we (Arabs/Muslims) are slowly experiencing the mainstreaming of our culture, which, like you said, will help to negate the associated fear (and fear mongering) insha Allah.
Speaking of the fear, if you watch Ramy Youssef's entire opening monologue, he talks about being in MAGA country and getting a call from him mom and not wanting to speak Arabic on the phone - it's hilarious but also so relatable...
I’ll have to watch his monologue, I had no idea he was hosting SNL! I adore ramy so much. To be honest I remember even 10 years ago I felt weird speaking in Arabic on the phone with my parents on public transit here in Boston. I haven’t noticed the weird looks in recent years
If you can, don't just watch the monologue - watch the "Immigrant Dads talk show" and the "Ozempic for Ramadan" sketches too. I died laughing at them...
Yes there is good in all people; and there is evil; if the evil is confused about respect they dominate and suppress; the end result is a confused state of mind called cognitive dissonance; you know harm to children is wrong but you socially accept it or be beaten...that is the world we all live in; some speak against it, some can not. Who would be best to follow??? Those who can or those who can not??? Certainly not those that will not...???
"It’s a constant pull back to humility when we’re flying high, staving off that worst of sins, arrogance."
I love this! I (lacking the cultural context of Islam and just picking up on what I hear) always thought of "masha'allah" as a way of saying "congratulations, god chose YOU specifically for this great thing, you must be very worthy in his eyes!" But the way you explain it totally makes sense. It sounds like the subtext is maybe a little closer to the phrase in Christian traditions "the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away"--god willed this good thing for you today, but it's not because you're some chosen one...it's because everything is in his hands, and he may present you with a challenge tomorrow.
Yes I think that's a good comparison. And a good reminder never to get too high or too low (easier said than done).
Yes, I LOVE the reminder of humility. "You did this and you are great, but it wasn't 'just you'". So many calls back to humility, and I'm grateful for them all (as you say, easier said than done, but I appreciate being reminded). Masha Allah was also fun for me to read about because one of my nicknames is "Masha", which is the Russian nickname for Maria (the Marie part of my name in my case). So one of my names is a constant call to humility, which I need so often. I love how even when words don't mean the same thing in different languages, somehow the sounds still call us in.
Really enjoyed this! I live in a majority Muslim neighbourhood, just outside Paris (mainly Algerians), and I always overhear these phrases peppered into conversations between neighbours. Your questions made me think about the fact that phrases like "thank God" or even "oh my God" were obviously originally meant as genuine invocations to the divine, but over time are just used as general turns of phrase. As a Catholic I try to avoid using those phrases unless I am actually trying to invoke God, and I'd say in some Catholic/Christian circles you hear "God willing" or "thanks be to God", but I only use those with friends who I know are actively practising Christians as I think it sounds a bit extra to others haha.
I love the connections you're making, Gina. Oh my God or oh God is basically "Ya Allah" - we say that too. Lately I've been hearing it in a lot of videos coming out of Gaza in response to the horror, but it can also be used to express amazement.
Yes, I realize how often our (English language) "exclamations" and even swear words (literal curses) have really strong implications and we just say them! I just say them! I'm pretty bad about it, especially in traffic or when surprised or frustrated, but I'm trying little by little to lessen and eliminate what I can. So helpful to be mindful of our speech.
Just want to drop in, my non-Muslim coworkers have no idea the effort it takes to not say Insha’Allah during meetings! And on that note, it bugs me how some Muslims downplay the importance of that phrase. Like yes even if it’s not used with good intent, I think still for most of us it’s not a flat out no but like you said, on a scale of hopefulness. I’m glad you made that distinction. We’re not disrespecting Allah. And my favorite saying from poet Tariq Toure, “Insha’Allah your insha’Allah’s become Masha’Allah’s.”
The struggle is real lol... I have an easier time in English not using these phrases because I've code switched in English for my whole life. My Arabic has almost always been spoken in religious contexts, so I find it SOOOOOOOOO hard not to incorporate these phrases. I actually don't even have the equivalent secular vocabulary in Arabic half the time.
I love love love that Tariq Toure quote - I'm going to note it down for future use.
That’s so interesting! Might be a bit off topic but moving to California was a challenge for me. I didn’t realize how bluntly we talk in New Orleans. People speak more thoughtfully here so I have to be more careful how I speak. When in doubt I preface with “I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to say…”
Not off topic at all! I love that you just preface it so you can say what you need to say. I just replied to Celia in another comment about how I struggled with Arabic culture being very roundabout while Canadians (or Westerners) are generally more direct.
Hello Noha!
Is it correct to say that "Bismallah" is something one says before eating? If so, is it used in any other context and what does it mean?
Shukran for this very lovely explanation about the difference between Masha Allah and Insha Allah. Also that was a funny story about the pilot, lol.
Happy day (Insha Allah),
Mmerikani
Hi Mmerikani,
Yes, that's the main way Bismillah is used. It means "In the name of God" - so it's used before eating - akin to saying grace? Sometimes it's also used before starting something significant or important. Sort of like taking a deep breath and saying, "here we go."
The pilot story was hilarious. Samantha has such a great way of explaining life in Egypt from an outsider's perspective.
Insha Allah you have a great day too!
I love how you worded that our life is so Allah centered even when we don’t realize it. It’s so true.
Yes! You know how sometimes you're writing and while you write you have an a-ha! moment? That was it for me on this article.
Heheh love that<3
I love this post. Thanks for peeling the curtain back and adding context to phrases I hear often from friends. I’m now fighting the urge to use it with my Muslim friends as I’m worried it will cause them to roll their eyes aggressively 😂😂😂
Hahahaaaaa take the eyerolls, Stanley! They’ll probably tell you ‘masha Allah’ while rolling their eyes
Thank you so much for this wonderful explainer, Noha! I thought I was fairly familiar with the meanings, but I'm glad I expanded my knowledge and learned something new.
A questionbif I may - is it acceptable or frowned upon if a non-Muslim uses any of these terms when talking to Muslim friends? Would it be seen as respectful or as too much/overstepping? Maybe it's something that is decided on a case to case basis?
I’ve never seen it as an issue and I think most would welcome it, but I can’t speak for everyone I suppose. Love the cheeky B that snuck in lol
That was supposed to be *a question if I may* sorry! A cheeky b has entered the chat.
My 4 year old has been learning all of these, and it’s so beautiful to see her apply them in her daily life. Her astaghfirullahs are the best. lol
OMG how cute! Does she say it when she’s done something naughty 😂😂
My favorite way to remember the difference between Insha Allah and Masha Allah is the Finding Nemo meme. Before he’s found, Insha Allah they find him. After he’s found, Masha Allah they found him 😂
One of my favorite examples of African diasporic speech was pointed out by my undergrad professor of African American Studies, Dr. Carr. He opened the class by talking about how important inflection is in AAVE and many of the other African diasporic languages. We can impart so many different meanings to the word “wow” with the volume or length of time we say the word.
I haven't seen that meme! Now I want to go looking for it.
Yes to inflection! It's so significant to so many languages like you say. Arabic is very expressive as well (or at least the Egyptian dialect) and sometimes I have to remember to tone it down in English so I'm not too over the top lol.
Reading this makes me envious. I feel uncomfortable even saying "God bless you" when somebody sneezes! Not sure why in my corner of the world God became a word that makes me sound old fashioned or (gasp!) unsophisticated. I'd so love to breathe the name in and out constantly--every phrase an offering. Loved learning these nuances, too. Tuesdays are my favorite Substack day :)
Oh Isabel, you've reminded me of what we say after a sneeze. It's a whole call and response lol... The sneezer says "Alhamdulillah" (praise and thanks be to God), the responder says "Yarhamukum Allah" (may God have mercy on you) and then the sneezer answers AGAIN with "Yahdeekum Allah wa yuslih baalakum" (May God guide you and make all your affairs/circumstances good).
I like to think that all these words and phrases remind us to breathe the name in and out, as you say, so that we're connecting even when he's not on our mind.
I get what you mean about seeming old-fashioned or unsophisticated. Religion is definitely not fashionable these days, but I think it may be making an organic comeback. Regardless, I'm ok being old fashioned, even though I wanted so desperately to be cool when I was younger 😅