Authored by: Shaykh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (may Allah protect him)
What is the ruling on saying "I am a believer, Insha’Allah" in the context of faith?
Answer:
There is a difference of opinion on this matter, but the correct view is that it is permissible to say "I am a believer, Insha’Allah," provided that the intention refers to complete faith. This is because faith fluctuates—it increases and decreases—and people vary in their levels of faith according to their deeds and actions. Allah Almighty has mentioned complete faith in the following verse:
"Indeed, the believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and they put their trust in their Lord. They are those who establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them. Those are the true believers."
(Surah Al-Anfal: 2-4)
Not every believer can achieve this complete description of faith. Thus, if someone says, "I am a true believer" with the intention of complete faith, they are essentially claiming a purity of self that they do not possess and making a declaration beyond their capacity. However, if one says, "I am a believer, Insha’Allah," with the intention of striving to align with the qualities mentioned in the above verse, they are truthful.
Similarly, a person who says, "Insha’Allah, I am a believer" is also truthful because they do not know the outcome of their actions, and faith is ultimately dependent on the conclusion of one's deeds. Connecting matters of the future to Allah’s will or saying "Insha’Allah" for blessings is permissible and does not indicate doubt or hesitation.
Allah Almighty has instructed:
"And never say about anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,' except [when adding], 'If Allah wills.'”
(Surah Al-Kahf: 23-24)
Some scholars hold that it is necessary to always say "Insha’Allah" regarding faith because one cannot be certain of the eventual outcome, as actions are judged by their conclusions. Moreover, saying "Insha’Allah" acknowledges human shortcomings and the possibility of falling short in fulfilling obligations. Therefore, a person cannot confidently claim to be completely righteous, pious, or among the people of Paradise. However, one should remain hopeful for Allah’s mercy.
Even in matters where there is no room for doubt, Allah has used the phrase "Insha’Allah." For instance:
"You will surely enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram, if Allah wills, in security."
(Surah Al-Fath: 27)
Such verses indicate that future matters are subject to Allah's will, as He does whatever He wills, and nothing happens without His decree. Allah has said:
"And you do not will except that Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise."
(Surah Al-Insan: 30)
And Allah knows best.
"With Faith, Insha’Allah"
Question:What is the ruling on saying "I am a believer, Insha’Allah" in the context of faith?
Answer:
There is a difference of opinion on this matter, but the correct view is that it is permissible to say "I am a believer, Insha’Allah," provided that the intention refers to complete faith. This is because faith fluctuates—it increases and decreases—and people vary in their levels of faith according to their deeds and actions. Allah Almighty has mentioned complete faith in the following verse:
"Indeed, the believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and they put their trust in their Lord. They are those who establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them. Those are the true believers."
(Surah Al-Anfal: 2-4)
Not every believer can achieve this complete description of faith. Thus, if someone says, "I am a true believer" with the intention of complete faith, they are essentially claiming a purity of self that they do not possess and making a declaration beyond their capacity. However, if one says, "I am a believer, Insha’Allah," with the intention of striving to align with the qualities mentioned in the above verse, they are truthful.
Similarly, a person who says, "Insha’Allah, I am a believer" is also truthful because they do not know the outcome of their actions, and faith is ultimately dependent on the conclusion of one's deeds. Connecting matters of the future to Allah’s will or saying "Insha’Allah" for blessings is permissible and does not indicate doubt or hesitation.
Allah Almighty has instructed:
"And never say about anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,' except [when adding], 'If Allah wills.'”
(Surah Al-Kahf: 23-24)
Some scholars hold that it is necessary to always say "Insha’Allah" regarding faith because one cannot be certain of the eventual outcome, as actions are judged by their conclusions. Moreover, saying "Insha’Allah" acknowledges human shortcomings and the possibility of falling short in fulfilling obligations. Therefore, a person cannot confidently claim to be completely righteous, pious, or among the people of Paradise. However, one should remain hopeful for Allah’s mercy.
Even in matters where there is no room for doubt, Allah has used the phrase "Insha’Allah." For instance:
"You will surely enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram, if Allah wills, in security."
(Surah Al-Fath: 27)
Such verses indicate that future matters are subject to Allah's will, as He does whatever He wills, and nothing happens without His decree. Allah has said:
"And you do not will except that Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise."
(Surah Al-Insan: 30)
And Allah knows best.