GOD WILLING
(IN SHA ALLAH)

One of the teachings of Islam is that when expressing an intention about doing something in the future, a person should say “In sha Allah”—meaning “if God wills.”

For example, if someone is planning to travel from Delhi to Mumbai, they should not simply say, “I will go to Mumbai tomorrow.” Instead, they should say, “In sha Allah, I will go to Mumbai tomorrow.”

This phrase reflects a recognition of a deeper truth—that one’s personal will can only come to fruition if it aligns with the will of God. It means joining one’s own intention with God’s intention, merging human planning with divine will.

The reality is that while a person can make a decision and put in effort, the success of any effort is only possible when God’s approval is also present. In Arabic, this is expressed as: “The effort is mine, but the completion comes from God.” (al-saʿy minni wa-l-itmam min Allah)

In this sense, the relationship between God and human beings can be likened to interlocking cogwheels. One cog belongs to God, and the other belongs to the human being. Only when both gears are connected can the machinery of life begin to move.

If a person tries to turn their own wheel while disconnected from God’s, the wheel may appear to move, but it will be ineffective—because the entire machine depends on both gears being in sync.

The phrase “In sha Allah” is, in essence, a prayer. It is a way of asking God to align His will with our effort so that the machinery of life runs smoothly and reaches its desired goal.

Saying “In sha Allah” is like inviting the Creator of the universe to journey with you. And when the Master of the universe becomes your Companion, what power in the world can stop you from reaching your destination?