The short answer
'Inshallah' (in-SHAL-lah) means 'God willing'. In Morocco you will hear it in almost any talk about the future: see you tomorrow, inshallah; the car will be there at eight, inshallah. It is a habit of speech and of faith, not a sign that someone doubts the plan. Using it yourself is welcome.
In more detail
It sits alongside 'hamdullah' (praise God), which you will hear in answer to 'labas?' (how are you?): 'labas, hamdullah', fine, praise God. Between them, the two phrases turn up in most conversations you overhear in the souks.
Some visitors read 'inshallah' as a polite maybe. Usually it isn't. A driver who says he'll collect you at eight, inshallah, means eight. If you need a firm time for something important, confirm it in writing by WhatsApp, as you would anywhere.
Dropping an 'inshallah' into your own plans in conversation is warmly received and shows you have been listening.
It is part of a wider habit of faith in everyday life. The call to prayer five times a day, the Friday midday prayer and the month of Ramadan all shape the rhythm of the city, and ordinary speech reflects the same thing.
Good to know
- Inshallah: God willing.
- Hamdullah: praise God.
- Safi: OK, that's enough.