Chapter 18, verses 23-24
You shall not say that you will do anything in the future, without saying, “God willing.” If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, “May my Lord guide me to do better next time.”

Everything happens for a reason that is known only to God. Despite the fact we have freedom of choice that does not mean we get everything we want from life. If God wills for something to exist or to happen He simply says, “Be.”

We can never know what the future holds for us, but whatever we endeavour to do in our lifetime we will only achieve it if it is God’s will. The main reason for saying God willing is to acknowledge that something will happen only if it is God’s will. No matter how hard we try to obtain something we want in life, if it is not in God’s plan for us we will never receive it. Our own egos make us think we can do and have anything and everything we want.

Another reason for saying God willing is that it makes you remember God throughout the day.

Chapter 2, verse 152
You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.

God willing is a term used by all religions. My grandmother used to say it all the time so it is a term I grew up hearing as a child. The words are also found in the Bible.

James 4:14-15 (New International Version)
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

God willing is said in all languages and here are a few examples.

Spanish – Dios dispuest
Italian - A Dio piacendo
French - Si Dieu le veut
Hebrew - אם ירצה השם
Chinese -天意
Dutch - Als God het wil
Greek - Θεού θέλοντος
German - Gott will
Polish - Jak Bóg da
Hindi - तैयार देवता
Russian - Бог готовы
Latin - Deo volente

Masha'Allah is another Arabic term which translates to ‘whatever God wills’. It is used to express thankfulness or appreciation for whatever or whoever is being mentioned. It is often said when someone hears good news such as a child being born. It is also used as a way of warding off the ‘evil eye’ or to prevent bad luck and defend against black magic.

So next time we say we are going to do something or go somewhere or see someone, we must remember to say ‘God willing’ to show our appreciation for God's blessings and to acknowledge that nothing happens unless it is the will of God.