Q: I heard some people saying: When you perform certain acts such as offering Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting) or other religious acts or worldly affairs, and you are asked, "Did you pray or fast?" Do not say, "In sha'aAllah (if Allah wills)"; instead say, "Yes", for you have already completed these acts. What is your opinion concerning this?
A: This issue needs elaboration. Regarding acts of 'Ibadah (worship), there is nothing wrong in saying for example, "In sha'aAllah I offered Salah or Sawm", for it is not known whether such an act was performed perfectly or was accepted or not. The Mu'minun (believers) would say this concerning their Iman (Faith) or Sawm, for they did not know whether they had perfectly observed them or not. This is why there were those among them that would say for example, "I fasted In sha'aAllah" or "I am a Mu'min (believer) In sha'aAllah".
However, things that do not necessitate saying, "In sha'aAllah" like saying, "I sold something In sha'aAllah", there is no need to say it.
Likewise, if a person says, "I had my lunch or dinner In sha'aAllah", this does not necessitate saying, "In sha'aAllah". These acts are normal acts which have been completed, unlike acts of 'Ibadah which a person cannot know whether or not they have been fulfilled. In this case, when a person says, "In sha'aAllah", they do this out of seeking the Blessing of Allah's Name (Glorified be He) and also to avoid claiming to have done something without having performed it perfectly or giving it its due.