Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden’s use of the Arabic phrase “inshallah” in the first debate with President Donald Trump in the US election has caused a storm on Twitter.
Many Twitter users called the incident “historic,” Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported.
Biden used the phrase during an exchange in the first half of Tuesday's debate regarding the release of Trump’s tax returns.
When Trump said his tax return would be released to the public “as soon its finished,” Biden responded: “When? Inshallah?”
Inshallah, translated as “God willing,” is a phrase often used sincerely, but can also be used in a sarcastic manner, meaning something is unlikely to happen, according to Al Arabiya.
Social media users were quick to react with humour at Biden’s “inshallah” remark, with many Twitter users posting their reactions instantly.
While many users praised the former US vice president for using the expression in the proper context, others questioned his pronunciation.
The word is usually pronounced “In-sha-lah” or “Insha-allah.”
However Biden’s pronunciation - “In-shala” – had some viewers wondering if he had instead said “enchilada” – a traditional Mexican dish.
Joe Biden: "inshallah"
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) September 30, 2020
habibis, it's happening...
Did Biden say Inshallah?
— Hamed Aleaziz (@Haleaziz) September 30, 2020
We made it lmaooooo
Okay, for those of you wondering - did Joe Biden really drop an “inshallah” with the appropriate sarcastic usage?
— Asma Khalid (@asmamk) September 30, 2020
Yes, he did. I confirmed with his campaign - that is indeed what the man said. https://t.co/MqseBsl2Ck
Biden either said: inshallah, enchilada, or in July -- do with this what you will pic.twitter.com/FBr7egqIiP
— Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani (@AdrienneMahsa) September 30, 2020
Not only did Biden say "Inshallah", he used it in the colloquial context meaning "not really" https://t.co/1h1Tba4QtZ
— Shahed Amanullah (@shahed) September 30, 2020
