Inshallah – Jordan (Part 50)

Transposing emblem by Maha Husaini

In Arabic uncertainty is: majhool, rayba or shak. It is the (unknown), the (sceptical) and the (doubtful). It could be any of the three and it is a word of high significance in the Middle East. With its religious, cultural and social distinctiveness, the Middle East is unique in its history, customs and traditions. It is also the land of uncertainty. The word Inshallah implies uncertainty. It means if God wills, or, in other words, nothing is certain.

Wadi Musa, Jordan – The lost city of Petra – Jamie Brown

There is always inshallah (God willing), since everything is connected to God’s will. Blessed or cursed, there is no way to escape destiny. It is a belief, a way of life, a code of conduct and a virtue. Even when all the signs imply the outcome, inshallah is omnipresent. The belief in destiny is strong and predominant, yet it does not restrain progress. People plan, work and produce, but with every move comes inshallah. When setting up an appointment, a meeting or a date, the eternal word Inshallah will surface. Uncertainty lingers and is deeply-entrenched.

Aqaba, Jordan – A the beach – Alarax

Creating a balance between nasseeb (destiny) and free will is not an issue. Some might think that we just succumb to our destiny, to what we have and simply accept our fate without questioning. But we are not submissive, as hard work is highly-regarded and we strive for the best. Free will exists but it comes with an understanding of the predetermined.

Amman, Jordan – Groceries – Elena Chevalier

When we feel that there is room for change, we venture, choose the uncertainty of change and manage to take control of our lives, with God’s will. We dare and aspire to new possibilities and unexplored dimensions. We believe that the will of God governs our lives, yet free will unconsciously persists. If things don’t happen as planned the frustration is accompanied by acceptance, since this is God’s will and it is definitely for our own benefit.

Amman, Jordan – Out the bus window – Authentic Travel

The driving force is the religious mindset. Disappointments and downfalls are accepted with hamdullah (thank God). This belief instills strength and empowers and “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” applies perfectly well here, and on every occasion, hamdullah (thank God) looms. This is the magical boost that instigates perseverance and respects patience and forbearance. Failures and setbacks are received with “hopefully for the best.” Acceptance is a virtue.

Amman, Jordan – Roadscape – Authentic Travel

Life is not all rosy and perfect. There might be failures, disappointments and resignation to the predetermined, such as failed marriages. In a culture that is particularly conscious of fadiha (scandal), divorce could be out of the question. Many women suffer and simply surrender to their fate because patience is the righteous thing and divorce is a scandal. There is also the fear of economic repercussions. Dependant women have no source of income and might continue suffering due to a dread of the unknown. There are various situations where people might endure harsh conditions and accept them as nasseeb, or their destiny. Torn between stability and uncertainty many would choose the real, the stable and the safe.

Aqaba City, Jordan – Looking out – TarasikJO

And mind you, we are a society that hates change. We are always pulled to the past. The forces of tradition and heritage prevail and dominate. When challenged by uncertainty we are haunted by fear. The fear of social pressure, the unknown and the consequences. New ideas and concepts are not easily accepted, even worse, new endeavors are deplored and condemned. Our fear of chaos prompts us to reject and resent novel ideas. Yet, if change brings benefit, we embrace it. Absurd? It might be, but people tend to applaud success and loathe failures.

Amman, Jordan – Dining – Photocritical

We are also the land of contradictions. The ideas of fate and destiny are spread across a wide spectrum of society. Even the educated fully accept concepts that are bequeathed to us by our ancestors. These concepts move people’s lives and their understanding. Some of us still stick to them, others crave change. Nevertheless, we are confronted with the relentless force of progress which comes in different forms and shapes. It might be sudden and radical or can infiltrate smoothly bringing new thoughts and revolutionary approaches. We will eventually be dragged into uncertainties which will open unknown horizons. Hopefully, favorable ones.

Madaba, Jordan – Out for a ride – Dmitriy Feldman Svarshik

We are not different from any other culture. We share with others the fear of the unknown. We realize that uncertainty comes with a margin of error. However, we try, experiment and give ourselves a chance. It is a human trait that each and every one of us wishes to leave their mark, walk their own path and attain their own goal. If we deeply reflect on the daunting aspects of uncertainty, we would hold back. But we don’t. We might be hesitant and indecisive, yet we are not overwhelmed by the immensity of the decision and its outcomes. On the contrary, hope and determination urge us to delve into the unknown and to explore new prospects. There is a mysterious force within us that pushes us forward. Our anxiety vanishes and is replaced by enthusiasm as soon as we start treading on safe ground.

Petra, Jordan – Hello – Roxanne Desgagnes

As humans, we have a common belief that uncertainties are linked to a mysterious notion. We call it God’s will, others call it a super power or a stroke of luck. Different names for the same concept. We could be hindered, delayed or defeated but there is always a fervent belief that God or luck will always be on our side.

Maha Husaini

Credits

Photo 1: Petra, Jordan – Urn Tomb – PNP Images (Shutterstock)

Photo 2: Wadi Musa, Jordan – The lost city of Petra – Jamie Brown (Unsplash)_1

Photo 3: Aqaba, Jordan – A the beach – Alarax (Shutterstock)

Photo 4: Amman, Jordan – Groceries – Elena Chevalier (Shutterstock)

Photo 5: Amman, Jordan – Out the bus window – Authentic Travel (Shutterstock)

Photo 6: Amman, Jordan – Roadscape – Authentic Travel (Shutterstock)

Photo 7: Aqaba City, Jordan – Looking out – TarasikJO (Shutterstock)

Photo 8: Amman, Jordan – Dining – Photocritical (Shutterstock)

Photo 9: Madaba, Jordan – Out for a ride – Dmitriy Feldman Svarshik (Shutterstock)

Photo 10: Petra, Jordan – Hello – Roxanne Desgagnes (Unsplash)