Proper response to "InshaAllah"

What is the proper polite response to someone who ends a sentence or thought with the arabic term "InshaAllah (God willing)"? Should I say InshaAllah back? Is there a common arabic response I could use?

Abner

 

As I am neither Islam nor Arabic I would be uncomfortable responding with what sounds like a religious/cultural term not my own. I am not saying you should feel the same as me.

I might reply "Godspeed" or "may God bless you" as this is more in line with my Christian beliefs/American culture and I hope will be seen as polite.

My 2¢

 

I would say "thank you."

I had to take a position on stuff like this years ago. My husband's family is Jewish on his mother's side, and Catholic on his father's side. The questions all arise each holiday when our children are told "Happy Hanukkah." an/or are given gifts to celebrate. Our kids celebrate Christmas, so what do they say?

I tell them that religion (like manners) is what YOU do. To make it simple, "please" or "excuse me" or "thank you" is what YOU say because YOU have good manners- if someone else says "thank you" to you, then fine, but you have no right to expect someone to say a certain thing, and I wouldn't expect a Jewish family member to wish my children Merry Christmas. In this case, the person says "god willing" to you because that's what THEY believe. In the way someone might say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter." A simple, "thank you" is a perfect reply.

 

I would respond by acknowledging them with a facial gesture and a nod that signifies understanding.

 

I've been in lots of multicultural situations and overall I'd say that it's OK to not know the answer. We can't know the rules of every culture in every situation. I think that what I'd do is to politely acknowledge, in the moment, the fact that I'm unsure how I might best respond. This does two things. It signals that you want to be respectful (probably the most important component) but it also opens up the situation for conversation. Many people are afraid to enter into these conversations because they don't want to make any mistakes that might be seen as offensive. Asking the questions shows that you want to be respectful but also that you are curious about the other person's culture. When you show interest by asking a polite question you show the greatest respect.

 

Arab is as Arab does...

All the answers in this thread are good.

I thought I remembered reading somewhere in the bible where it says "God willing," but I'm unable to find it. Oh well. Anyways, a good gesture should almost always be returned with a good cultural gesture.

 

As far as I know, it just means "God willing". Some Muslims put it on the end of a hoped-for prediction or a statement of intention, particularly if it's a bit of a long-shot, suggesing contingency. They do their best, then it's out of their hands and up to God how things ultimately turn out. My impression is that no response is really necessary from us and none is expected.

For what it's worth, here's a Wikipedia article on the phrase:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-sha-Allah

 

That would be a little weird because he or she was not addressing you.

The phrase is really just used to signify a desire, a plan, or simply future reference, so there is no response is necessary. Even though you COULD say "If it is God's will" or "Deo volente," but that would be weird because

a) some Muslims say Insha'Allah pretty often, and

b) more than respect, it would signal that you looked up the answer on Wikipedia.

 

"In sha' allah
Other Commonly Used Spellings: INSHA ALLAH,INSHAA ALLA, INSHA ALLA,IN SHA' ALLA

When a person wishes to plan for the future, when he promises, when he makes resolutions, and when he makes a pledge, he makes them with permission and the will of Allah. For this reason, a Muslim uses the Qur'anic instructions by saying "In Sha ' Allah." The meaning of this statement is: "If Allah wills." Muslims are to strive hard and to put their trusts with Allah. They leave the results in the hands of Allah."

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/glossary/term.INSHA.html

 

The passage is in James 4:14-17:

Come, you who say, "To-day or to-morrow we will go to this or that city, and spend a year there and carry on a successful business," when, all the while, you do not even know what will happen to-morrow. For what is the nature of your life? Why, it is but a mist, which appears for a short time and then is seen no more. Instead of that you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we shall live and do this or that." But, as the case stands, it is in mere self-confidence that you boast: all such boasting is evil. (Weymouth translation)​

Depending upon who is speaking and their cultural background, the person concerned might be saying "insha'Allah" as a pious acknowledgment of God's hand on the future (much as is conveyed by the passage I quoted above). On the other hand, the phrase is also used by many as a polite way of saying, "no" or putting someone off.

Peace,

Matt

 

I knew it was in the bible!!!

KJV:

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. ​

 

When in doubt, I smile and give the thumbs up.

This happens to me a lot with holidays. Someone will say "So, what did you do for Easter" and I'll say "Easter already happened?" President's Day, Good Friday, Labor Day... I never remember. I've been gridlocked saying "What's with all this traffic?!?" Oh right, because it's 4pm on Memorial Day. I remember Cinco de Mayo, but only because I love Mexican Food.

I guess it kind of depends on the context, especially in-person. If it's more of a "have a nice day" thing you have more options. "You too" or "And you as well" could be appropriate.

 

For all these religious things, i just smile back and get over with it.

 

What's wrong with a wink, a gun-finger pointing at the person, making the click sound and saying "Right back at'cha" ?


ok ok.. just kidding. I agree with cooked, a simple "thank you" or "thanks" is more appropriate and can be used in any situation; it is not offending... if someone says to me "God bless you", I say "thank you" - I'm not of the catholic faith, ergo I wouldn't say it back to them - it's not me...