Is it rude when people tell me, “Insha’Allah you’ll become Muslima”?
I’ve spent about six years in total living in Morocco, Oman, and Jordan. I’ve made many friends there, all of whom are Muslim, and I often hear a phrase I’m not quite sure how to take. Whenever my faith comes up, I mention I’m Christian and leave it at that. Then someone will say, “Insha’Allah you become Muslima,” or something similar, and I never know how to react. I can’t figure out if it’s meant to be rude or if it’s just a kind wish that I’m misreading. Since I don’t get the intention behind it, I feel stuck on how to interpret it or what to say back. I realize this is partly a cultural question, but I didn’t know where to ask since it’s not about one specific country-and religion is involved too. I’ve been hesitant to bring it up with the friends who say it, partly because I worry they won’t understand why I’m asking. Sometimes when I’ve asked other things about Islam, my questions seem to confuse them, probably because I get stuck on points that are obvious to those raised in the faith. Sorry if this comes across awkwardly-I’ve been thinking about this for a while and it’s been on my mind.