Many children notice that adults sometimes say “In sha Allah” when they mean “probably not”. That teaches the wrong lesson.
Where it comes from
Allah says: “And never say of anything, ‘I will do that tomorrow,’ except [adding], ‘If Allah wills’” (Quran 18:23–24).
What it means
إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ
“If Allah wills.” We plan and try our best, and we remember that it only happens if Allah wills it.
Using it the right way
| Right | Wrong |
|---|---|
| “In sha Allah, I’ll finish my homework after dinner,” and then doing it | Saying it to avoid saying no |
| Planning the future: “In sha Allah, we’ll visit Grandma on Saturday” | Saying it about the past: “I did it, in sha Allah” |
If you mean no, say no
Kind honesty is better: “No, not today. Maybe another time.” Then “In sha Allah” keeps its real meaning for your child.
Related phrases
- مَا شَاءَ اللّٰه (Ma sha Allah): what Allah has willed; said when admiring something.
- الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه (Alhamdulillah): praise be to Allah.
Teacher’s tip: when your child says “In sha Allah, I’ll practise tomorrow,” remind them the next day: “You said In sha Allah, and Allah has given you today!” It turns the phrase into action.
Related: Islamic phrases and breaking promises.
