Correct Usage of In Shāʾ Allāh in Past and Future Matters

The Correct Usage of In Shāʾ Allāh: Sharʿī Guidance Regarding Past and Future Matters


Reference: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām

❖ Question​

Is it permissible to say “In Shāʾ Allāh” only for future matters?
Which matters must be linked to Allah’s Will, and in which cases is it inappropriate?

❖ Answer​

Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!


According to Islamic teachings, every statement related to the future should be connected with Allah’s Will. This principle is established by the Qur’an in the following verse from Sūrat al-Kahf:


﴿ وَلا تَقولَنَّ لِشَا۟ىءٍ إِنّى فاعِلٌ ذلِكَ غَدًا ﴿٢٣﴾ إِلّا أَن يَشاءَ اللَّهُ…﴿٢٤﴾… سورة الكهف
“And never say of anything, ‘I shall do that tomorrow,’ except [when adding], ‘If Allah wills.’”

❖ In Shāʾ Allāh in Future Matters​

❀ When someone intends to do something in the future, it is necessary to say “In Shāʾ Allāh”.


Example:
If someone says: “I will travel tomorrow”, he should say: “I will travel tomorrow, In Shāʾ Allāh.”

❖ In Shāʾ Allāh in Past Matters​

❀ Matters that have already occurred should not normally be linked with Allah’s Will, since they are already completed and their occurrence is certain.


Examples:
◈ Saying: “In Shāʾ Allāh, Ramadan began on Sunday night” is unnecessary, as the beginning of Ramadan is already established.
◈ Saying: “In Shāʾ Allāh, I have worn my clothes” is also inappropriate if the action has already taken place.

❖ Exception for Past Events​

❀ If “In Shāʾ Allāh” is used to emphasize that the reality or acceptance of a past action depends upon Allah’s Will, then it is permissible.


Example:
◈ If someone says: “I have prayed, In Shāʾ Allāh,” the meaning depends on intent:

• If the intent is merely to state that the action is completed, then adding “In Shāʾ Allāh” is unnecessary.
• But if the intent is to indicate that acceptance of the prayer depends upon Allah’s Will, then saying “In Shāʾ Allāh” is correct and appropriate, since only Allah knows whether the deed is accepted.

❖ Conclusion​

❀ For all future matters, saying “In Shāʾ Allāh” is an obligatory and praiseworthy practice.
❀ For past completed matters, saying “In Shāʾ Allāh” is generally unnecessary and often inappropriate, except when used to indicate that the outcome or acceptance of the act is subject to Allah’s Will.


ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب