Insha Allah is a frequently used conversational term by the practitioners of Arabic-based languages, and some of us with roots in that part of the world. Literally, it means "god willing." To me, the profundity of the phrase goes well beyond into the philosophy of life and its meaningful pursuit. Let me explain how.
As a non-practitioner of any particular faith (other than my own value system), to me Allah is a common noun representative of the unknown, the extraneous factors that are always at play in everyone's world. These are things that have a greater influence on the results of the actions that one consciously undertakes with a specific goal in mind, and can cause the outcome to be very different from the goal pursued. As a probabilist, Allah is an acceptance of the stochasticity of life, and a recognition that there is only a less-than-certain chance of a desired outcome. It is a statement of acceptance of the impermanence of life, and a plea to shed living in denial of not having a sense of control.
When I meet someone, it is the acceptance that that meeting may be the last one that I have with that person. And, in today's world, this extends to phone calls, e-mail, and text message exchanges. This is true of all inter-personal interactions, regardless of the respective ages and states of health of the individuals involved.
So, from an actionability point of view, what can one do different in the Insha Allah context? One can be to commiserate about the last supper together. I choose a different tact: to maximize the moment - the "now" - without counting on tomorrow. To enjoy the person's company while I can, and not lose the present in thoughts about a future state.
A little while ago, I took stock of inventory in my basement. Among other things of potential use that are not being used, I found four patio chairs stacked up in a corner. It immediately dawned on me that they don't belong there! They belong on the patio. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers have bloomed, the greenery is inviting! So, I brought them out and placed them on the patio.
That just completes part of the story ... the scotch is poured, the ice cubes have been dropped in it, I can see the ice melting. Insha Allah, I will not lose my fleeting moment. And, I hope you all soak in your present moments, too!
As a non-practitioner of any particular faith (other than my own value system), to me Allah is a common noun representative of the unknown, the extraneous factors that are always at play in everyone's world. These are things that have a greater influence on the results of the actions that one consciously undertakes with a specific goal in mind, and can cause the outcome to be very different from the goal pursued. As a probabilist, Allah is an acceptance of the stochasticity of life, and a recognition that there is only a less-than-certain chance of a desired outcome. It is a statement of acceptance of the impermanence of life, and a plea to shed living in denial of not having a sense of control.
When I meet someone, it is the acceptance that that meeting may be the last one that I have with that person. And, in today's world, this extends to phone calls, e-mail, and text message exchanges. This is true of all inter-personal interactions, regardless of the respective ages and states of health of the individuals involved.
So, from an actionability point of view, what can one do different in the Insha Allah context? One can be to commiserate about the last supper together. I choose a different tact: to maximize the moment - the "now" - without counting on tomorrow. To enjoy the person's company while I can, and not lose the present in thoughts about a future state.
A little while ago, I took stock of inventory in my basement. Among other things of potential use that are not being used, I found four patio chairs stacked up in a corner. It immediately dawned on me that they don't belong there! They belong on the patio. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers have bloomed, the greenery is inviting! So, I brought them out and placed them on the patio.
That just completes part of the story ... the scotch is poured, the ice cubes have been dropped in it, I can see the ice melting. Insha Allah, I will not lose my fleeting moment. And, I hope you all soak in your present moments, too!
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