Ditching the assalamallekum and mashallah

For Pakistani atheists, it is not easy to unlearn. It’s hard to let go of old habits when you have grown up in a society where greetings other than "assalamallekum" (peace be on you) can be found offensive or odd by many. "Adaab", which simply means peace and is secular to some extent, isn't used anymore. Only an octogenarian Urdu poet would be considered normal saying that now.

The society's increasing tendency towards religion has also replaced a simple "shukriya" (thank you) with "jazaakallah" (may Allah reward you). In fact, parents wouldn’t hesitate to reprimand you if you don't add "mashallah" (Allah has willed it) when you bother yourself by saying something nice about their children. Not only that, there are prayers for saying before and after going to the loo. Even lies can be justified with a “inshallah” (if Allah wills).

The Pakistani atheists still reluctant to come out in the open have to continue using these Islamic terms to appear they are among the 'herd'.
But even those with the guts to openly admit being atheists in a society where such a notion is inconceivable for many, the inadvertent use of the Islamic terminology will come across as a pretty natural problem. And of course, it will stick around in the system for some time to come.

The advice for them - don't push it. There are some things that cannot be unlearned overnight. Don't blame yourself when the next time you suddenly blurt out "alhamdullilah" {praise be to Allah). You only have yourself to praise!