This document discusses the Muslim cultural practice of saying "inshallah" or "if God wills" when committing to future plans or events. It argues that using "inshallah" should only be done when one is fully committed and plans to do everything possible to fulfill the commitment. Otherwise, it is misleading others about one's intentions and values. The document recommends that Muslims be truthful when making commitments by acknowledging if they are uncertain about attending rather than using "inshallah" casually. Being punctual and reliable in commitments is presented as an important Muslim value.

1. Do not be late
By : Khawar Nehal
5 January 2014
Applied Technology Research Center
http://atrc.net.pk
Khawar@atrc.net.pk

2. Culture of being late
Some muslims are late and blame it on culture.

3. Culture of being late
Culture is what you live in.
Tradition is what older generations did or still do.
Values are your own and are different from
others usually.
Some people mix up the words culture and
tradition.

4. Culture of being on time
As a muslim, I would like to request you to think
about some things.
We use the word inshallah. So much that the
others think it means “yeah right. As if that will
ever happen.”

5. Quran 2:224
And do not make [your oath by] Allah an excuse
against being righteous and fearing Allah and
making peace among people. And Allah is
Hearing and Knowing.

6. Quran 18:23-24
And never say of anything, "Indeed, I will do that
tomorrow,"
Except [when adding], "If Allah wills." And
remember your Lord when you forget [it] and
say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is
nearer than this to right conduct."

7. Allah's commands
Allah says to say inshallah for anything in the
future. (18:23-24)
He also says do not make an oath uselessly.
(2:224)

8. Inshallah
So as a muslim, you cannot say anything unless
you really committed 100% to the act. This
because you are using God's name to affirm that
you shall be doing everything in your power for
the future event and committing to it. The only
thing which shall stop you is God. And that too if
God has some other plan which you are not sure
of.

9. Inshallah
Now if you are not 100% planning to do
something, and you tell someone inshallah, then
you are actually giving the wrong information and
misleading the other person about your
intentions.
Some people may say “what ?!” on this.

10. Culture explained
When everyone around you does it, then it is
called culture.
What you do is based on your values.

11. Islam explained
As a muslim, look at yourself from the outside
and the values which you are supposed to have.

12. Muslim values (suggested)
1. Truthful
2. Punctual (come on you have to pray five times
a day without missing anyone.) No other faith
expects so much practice on time management.
3. Fearing God only.
4. Fighting for God only.
5. Getting up before sunrise daily. Means you
plan to sleep early. Another time investment
management as[ect.

13. Coming late
Now consider this. Many people due to peer
pressure and cultural values have adopted a
habit of saying inshallah even if they do not care
to be on time to the next meeting.

14. Consequences
1. You are lying. (not telling your real intentions
and values)
2. You are taking an oath that if it does not
happen, then you are not responsible because
you did your best (assumed by the other party)
and blaming God for the change of plans as if
you were not part of it.
3. When the other person finds out, then they
shall know that you are not afraid of God.
4. God already knew you intentions and values
and efforts. Cannot hide from him.

15. Request
Please stop taking oaths.
Be truthful.
Fear only God and tell your real values.
If you do not care to be on time, then have the
courage to tell others how much you value their
event.
Do not commit 100% from your side and then
place God's name as a seal on the verbal
contract to give the wrong impression.

16. Being truthful
Speak reality. Say you shall come if you can.
Like the way people use the word ASAP to be
ambiguous.
If you are thinking “I shall come to the meeting if
I feel like it at the time.” Then say it.
Use one of the best marketing rules available.
Commit less. Deliver more.

17. Over commitment is dangerous
If you over commit then people shall complain to
11 people.
If you deliver on time, they shall refer you to 3
other people.
These are the marketing rules.

18. Al Rajhi example
One of the most wealthy people (world money
wise) has the trait of being on time for every
meeting.
This person demonstrates that you can speak
the truth and be the richest person on earth.
Yes he had more money and is was not on the
forbes list for multiple reasons. But his wealth
was more than the number one forbes knows
about.

19. Do not be afraid
So stop being afraid of what people think about
your straightforwardness and being truthful.
You still have the choice to say nothing.
Fear God and place your trust in him. And next
time you find yourself saying inshallah due to
cultured habits and are not committed, please
tell the other person that you want to take it back
because you are not committed 100% and need
to restate until your habits change.
Also when you are 100% sure about your
commitment, then say inshallah.

20. Saying no to others
Once you commit by saying inshallah, then do
not be afraid to let go of other more enticing
commitments which come in the way.
Think of it as a duty to God. If you committed
with inshallah, then complete the commitment
even if you have to sacrifice a lot of other offers.
Trust God that he shall provide you with even
better opportunities to say inshallah to in the
future.

21. Getting up
You need to plan to go to sleep early to be able
to wake up on time with near 100% surety.
If you do not plan, then you plan to fail.
Skip the late night movie in favor of your
commitments and also plan for the morning
prayer. You shall find that your life improves
greatly if you meet your obligations and your
commitments. Also God shall inshallah make
your life very pleasant. But you need to request
for it also.