I'm starting to really love this arabic phrase. While it can be translated literally as “if Allah wills,” the meaning depends on who's saying it, how they say it, and what they are responding to.
While it can be a genuine wish, such as when the taxi driver said “I’ll drive you again, inshallah,” or more commonly, it can be used as a way to politely tell you, there's not a chance in hell. Like when I asked if my residency permit would be ready by the end of the week and I was told, "I think so, inshallah" (i.e., it will take divine intervention). Not likely to make it for drinks tonight? "I'll see you at 7, inshallah." Got a looming deadline? "I'll have it done, inshallah." For all of us in Arabic-speaking countries, it nicely describes the uncertainty of life, and it's continuously applied to all promises great and small.
While it can be a genuine wish, such as when the taxi driver said “I’ll drive you again, inshallah,” or more commonly, it can be used as a way to politely tell you, there's not a chance in hell. Like when I asked if my residency permit would be ready by the end of the week and I was told, "I think so, inshallah" (i.e., it will take divine intervention). Not likely to make it for drinks tonight? "I'll see you at 7, inshallah." Got a looming deadline? "I'll have it done, inshallah." For all of us in Arabic-speaking countries, it nicely describes the uncertainty of life, and it's continuously applied to all promises great and small.
The party is on!
Qatar, like most arabic countries, has strict laws regarding buying, selling or drinking alcohol. Pork is even more taboo. Given that over 80% of the population are ex-pats, they needed to find a work around. Introducing the QDC. The only store licensed to sell liquor and pork in Qatar. You need to show your permit to the guard before entering the shop and they send you home with your purchases in thick, black plastic bags. Feels like shopping at a porn shop (not that I know what that feels like...I'm just imagining).
To obtain an alcohol permit you need:
1. Your residency permit and Qatar ID
2. A letter from your employer written in English. It must state the applicant’s position, basic monthly salary
(must be above 4000 riyals or 1100 dollars), if housing is provided and whether the applicant is married.
3. 1000 riyals that you put down as a deposit. Nobody knows what this is for, but you get it back when you
leave the country.
I got it this weekend. Sweet! Once I was in, I was surrounded by tons of people running around, grabbing pork and booze, hoping not to be recognized. I was so giddy I forgot to check prices and bought Greta an $80 ham the size of my fist!
My friend said they were sure nobody recognized me, inshalla...
1. Your residency permit and Qatar ID
2. A letter from your employer written in English. It must state the applicant’s position, basic monthly salary
(must be above 4000 riyals or 1100 dollars), if housing is provided and whether the applicant is married.
3. 1000 riyals that you put down as a deposit. Nobody knows what this is for, but you get it back when you
leave the country.
I got it this weekend. Sweet! Once I was in, I was surrounded by tons of people running around, grabbing pork and booze, hoping not to be recognized. I was so giddy I forgot to check prices and bought Greta an $80 ham the size of my fist!
My friend said they were sure nobody recognized me, inshalla...
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