“And do not say, regarding anything, “I am going to do that tomorrow,” but only, “If God will.””
This profound piece of guidance originates from the Qur’an and encapsulates a powerful lesson in humility, faith, and the nature of human planning. It serves as a constant reminder that our control over the future is an illusion. While we must strive, plan, and work towards our goals, the ultimate outcome always rests in a power beyond our own. This principle encourages a mindset that balances ambition with acceptance, reducing anxiety and fostering a deeper sense of trust in the unfolding of life.
Ultimately, this teaching is not about passivity. Instead, it is about acting with intention while acknowledging the vast uncertainties of existence. It invites us to plan our tomorrows with diligence but to hold those plans with an open hand, recognizing that the universe may have other designs. This wisdom offers peace and resilience, whether viewed through a spiritual lens or as a practical philosophy for navigating an unpredictable world.
The Divine Context: A Lesson in Revelation
The quote comes directly from the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an, specifically from Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave), verses 23-24. The historical context for these verses is crucial to understanding their weight. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was asked several challenging questions by the people of Mecca to test his prophethood. He confidently told them he would provide the answers the next day. However, he forgot to add the qualifier, “If God wills.”
As a result, the divine revelation he expected did not come the next day, or the day after. It was delayed for several days, causing him distress and giving his opponents a chance to mock him. When the revelation finally arrived, it came with this gentle but firm correction. The verses served as a direct lesson for the Prophet and, by extension, for all believers. They emphasize that no human being, not even a prophet, has independent power over future events. Every plan, promise, and intention is subject to divine will. This story powerfully illustrates that human knowledge is limited and final authority belongs to God alone.
Insha’Allah: The Phrase That Shapes Cultures
This Qur’anic principle is so central to Muslim life that it is expressed daily through the common Arabic phrase “Insha’Allah” (إن شاء الله), Source which translates to “If God wills.” This phrase is used constantly by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide when referring to any future event. . It is attached to promises, plans, and hopes, from scheduling a business meeting to hoping for good weather for a picnic.
Using “Insha’Allah” is a conscious act of acknowledging God’s sovereignty over all affairs. It is a verbal confirmation of the belief that while we must tie our camel, we trust in God to protect it. However, the phrase has also taken on cultural nuances. In some contexts, people may use it to give a non-committal answer or to politely decline a request. Despite this, its primary and most sincere purpose remains a profound expression of faith and humility.
The Psychology of Surrender: Finding Freedom in Faith
Beyond its theological importance, this mindset offers significant psychological benefits. The modern world often pushes a narrative of absolute control. We are told that with enough planning, hard work, and determination, we can manifest any future we desire. While empowering, this belief can also create immense pressure, anxiety, and guilt when things inevitably go wrong. Life is filled with unforeseen circumstances, from a sudden illness to a global pandemic, that can derail even the best-laid plans.
Adopting an “If God wills” perspective helps alleviate this burden. It allows an individual to do their best while mentally releasing the outcome. This act of surrender is not one of weakness but of wisdom. It reduces anxiety about the future because you accept that you are not solely responsible for the result. Consequently, it builds resilience. When a plan fails, it is easier to cope because the failure is not perceived as a purely personal shortcoming. Instead, it can be seen as part of a larger, perhaps unseen, plan. This fosters patience and the ability to adapt to change gracefully, rather than fighting against the current of life.
A Universal Principle for an Uncertain World
While the quote is rooted in Islamic theology, its core message of planning with humility resonates universally. It aligns with wisdom found in many other philosophical and spiritual traditions. For instance, Stoicism teaches a similar concept known as the “dichotomy of control.” Stoics argue that we should focus our energy only on what we can control—our thoughts, intentions, and actions—and practice acceptance for everything we cannot, which includes external outcomes.
This principle is incredibly practical in any field. A project manager can create a detailed plan but must remain flexible to handle unexpected delays or challenges. A doctor can provide the best possible treatment, but the patient’s recovery is not entirely in their hands. An entrepreneur can develop a brilliant business strategy, but market forces and unforeseen events will always play a role. Saying “I will do this tomorrow, if all goes well” is a secular version of the same wisdom. It acknowledges reality and prepares the mind for any eventuality, preventing the twin pitfalls of arrogance in success and despair in failure.
Conclusion: Planning with Purpose, Living with Peace
Ultimately, the instruction to say “If God will” is a transformative guide to living. It does not discourage planning or ambition. On the contrary, it encourages us to act with full intention and effort. However, it pairs this action with a profound sense of humility and trust. It asks us to recognize the limits of our own power and to make peace with the inherent uncertainty of the future.
By integrating this perspective, we can pursue our goals with passion without being crushed by disappointment. We learn to hold our plans lightly, adapt to change with grace, and find a sense of calm amid life’s unpredictability. It is a simple phrase that contains a deep well of wisdom, offering a path to a more resilient, faithful, and peaceful existence for anyone willing to embrace it.