An Anthology of Arab Wit and Wisdom 9781593333966, 2008024635, 159333396X

Table of contents :
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
NOTE ON TRANSLITERATION OF ARABIC PROPER NAMES
1. PERSONAL QUALITIES AND THE INDIVIDUAL
2. SOCIAL LIFE
3. RELIGION
4. THE NEXT LIFE
5. KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE
6. MARRIAGE
7. THE FAIR SEX
8. RELATIVES
9. FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
10. POLITICS AND LAW
11. DEALING WITH BIG-WIGS
12. THE ART OF INSULT AND THE APT RETORT
13. MONEY
14. HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY
15. HAPPINESS AND CONTENTMENT
LIST OF SOURCES

Citation preview

An Anthology of Arab Wit and Wisdom

An Anthology of Arab Wit and Wisdom

Rifaat Y. Ebied

University of Sydney In Collaboration with

Michael M. J. L. Young †

Gorgias Press 2008

First Gorgias Press Edition, 2008 Copyright © 2008 by Gorgias Press LLC All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise without the prior written permission of Gorgias Press LLC. Published in the United States of America by Gorgias Press LLC, New Jersey ISBN 978-1-59333-396-6

Gorgias Press

180 Centennial Ave., Suite 3, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA www.gorgiaspress.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ebied, R. Y. An anthology of Arab wit and wisdom / Rifaat Ebied in collaboration with Michael M. J. Young. -- 1st Gorgias Press ed. p. cm. 1. Quotations, Arabic. 2. Arabic wit and humor. I. Young, Michael M. J. II. Title. PN6095.A7E35 2008 892.7’08--dc22 2008024635 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standards. Printed in the United States of America

TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents....................................................................................................v Preface.....................................................................................................................vii Note on Transliteration of Arabic Proper Names ............................................ix 1 Personal Qualities and the Individual .........................................................1 2 Social Life ........................................................................................................7 3 Religion ..........................................................................................................13 4 The Next Life................................................................................................25 5 Knowledge and Ignorance ..........................................................................29 6 Marriage .........................................................................................................37 7 The Fair Sex ..................................................................................................41 8 Relatives .........................................................................................................45 9 Friends and Enemies....................................................................................49 10 Politics and Law............................................................................................55 11 Dealing with Big-Wigs .................................................................................61 12 The Art of Insult and the Apt Retort........................................................63 13 Money.............................................................................................................67 14 Hospitality and Generosity .........................................................................73 15 Happiness and Contentment ......................................................................75 List of Sources .......................................................................................................77

v

PREFACE This anthology of wit and wisdom is a small drop from a deep ocean—that of the rich aphoristic and proverbial literature of the Arabs. In the tradition of older oriental literatures Arabic literature contains numerous proverbs, moral sayings and wordly-wise dicta, as well as great collections of homiletic and religious sayings such as the traditions of the Prophet Muḥammad. In addition Arabic abounds in the literature of the anecdote and the pointed tale. “Translation is the sworn enemy of wit,” as Evan Esar puts it in his Treasury of Humorous Quotations, and although in the case of Arabic it is not a uniformly victorious enemy, it is sufficiently hostile to ensure that no selection of translated Arab wit and wisdom could hope to be representative, because a very important part of Arab wit resides in the complexities of the Arabic language. The wit of the Arabs is frequently pointed and adorned by the use of rhyme, of assonance, of punning, of alliteration, and various combinations of these verbal devices, and these must generally discourage, if not defeat, the translator, at least in the sense of forcing him to provide laboured explanations which destroy the freshness and force of the original. There remains, however, a very great store of wit and wisdom expressed in the Arabic language which is of universal appeal and loses little in translation, and it is a small personal selection from these riches which is presented here. It need hardly be said that these proverbs, sayings, bons mots, and anecdotes do not represent any single view of the world and human life, and several opposed pairs of sayings may be found which recall such oppositions as ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth,’ and ‘Many hands make light work.’ In date the five hundred items presented here range from the seventh to the twentieth centuries. Some of them have appeared in English translation before; some are from Arabic printed sources which have not previously been translated into English; while a few have been taken from unvii

viii

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

published Arabic manuscript sources. The material so collected has been organised under a number of headings which provide a broad classification of the subject matter, although it will readily be seen that some items might be placed under any one of the several heads. The ascription at the end of each item gives the author of the words quoted, where this is known, or the literary source from which it is taken if it is of the type of anecdote that begins ‘Someone said that………….’; if the item is of an anonymous kind, such as a proverb, it is simply noted as such. In the following pages sayings of, or stories related about, the Prophet Muḥammad have been noted as a ‘Tradition of the Prophet.’ Other ascriptions give the author of the words quoted, where this is known, or the literary source from which it has been taken. An alphabetical list of all the sources used is given at the end of the book. Rifaat Y. Ebied and Michael J. L. Young†

NOTE ON TRANSLITERATION OF ARABIC PROPER NAMES The system of transliteration of the Arabic alphabet employed here is that of the Encyclopaedia of Islam, with the following differences: 1. Q is used instead of k. for the letter qāf. 2. J is used instead of dj for the letter jīm. 3. Digraphs are not underlined. 4. No distinction is made between hamzah and 'ayn, both of which have been represented by an apostrophe. 5. Tā' marbūṭah is represented by ‘ah’.

ix

1 PERSONAL QUALITIES AND THE INDIVIDUAL 1.

The earth belongs to those who strive. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

2.

Never miss the first chance. Arabic proverb

3.

Reckon the climb before reckoning the descent. Arabic proverb

4.

If you stretch out your hand to the sky its stars will draw nearer to you. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

5.

Hope without work is like a tree without fruit. Arabic proverb

6.

There is no limit to hope and no end to work. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

7.

Let your aims be greater than your capability, and your work today will be better than your work yesterday. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

8.

How contemptible a man is if he is unable to raise himself above himself. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

9.

A thing that does not satiate, creates hunger. Arabic proverb

10. The West is a symbol of ambition and the East a symbol of contentment; my intellect is in one direction and my heart in the other. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

1

2

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

11. Do not begin what you cannot complete. Arabic proverb 12. The secret of success is to spend half your time thinking and half your time doing. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 13. A man with one plan goes out to carry it out; a man with two plans becomes perplexed. Arabic proverb 14. Climbing up a ladder is one step at a time. Arabic proverb 15. Living is planning. Arabic proverb 16. Men always need someone to remind them that they belong to today and are not the remnants of yesterday. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 17. The person who acts unhurriedly attains his desire. Tradition of the Prophet 18. A man can be adorned with nothing superior to forbearance. Ibn 'Abbās (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 19. Even though the fire of a noble man’s anger blazes, it is like the smoke of wood without pith. Mālik ibn Dīnār (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 20. Everything may be remedied by patience, but lack of patience has no remedy. Arabic proverb 21. Tortoises are more expert on the subject of roads than hares. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND THE INDIVIDUAL

3

22. The more a man’s confidence in himself grows the greater his aims become. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 23. Be distrustful where you are confident. Arabic proverb 24. Success may bring fame and mastery, but failure may bring knowledge and experience. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 25. The person who does not fall does not rise again. Arabic proverb 26. He is not a perfect man of fortitude, who hath not fallen into misfortunes; and there is no physician but the experienced. Tradition of the Prophet. 27. The plant which has been bent by the winds has stronger wood than the plant which has grown in a glass-house. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 28. Every head has its own headache. Arabic Proverb 29. In order not to have nightmares do not sit among graves. Arabic proverb 30. How seldom does man desire what befalls him; the winds bring that which the ships do not desire. Al-Mutanabbi' 31. In your despairing you are a free man; but in your coveting you are a slave. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 32. Man can triumph over the powers of nature by the power of thought, and by the power of love triumph over the power of thought. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

4

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

33. Tire out your body, but not your mind. Arabic Proverb 34. So that your sadness over something be little, let your joy in it be little. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 35. The best sort of charity is that which proceeds from the generosity of both heart and mind. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 36. Fairness is a trusty fortress on the top of a fine mountain, which no flood may ruin and no ballista destroy. Idrīs (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 37. The person who respects himself will be respected; the person who depreciates himself will be treated with contempt. Arabic proverb 38. A thunderbolt does not kill gnats. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 39. Nobody considers himself contemptible. Arabic proverb 40. People praise you for what they suppose is in you; but you must blame your own soul for what you know is in it. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 41. If you do not call yourself to account in secret people will call you to account in public. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 42. The true man is not in what he shows you, but in what he is unable to show you. Therefore if you wish to know him, do not listen to what he says, but to what he does not say. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 43. Many a famous person is like a wall defaced with posters. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

PERSONAL QUALITIES AND THE INDIVIDUAL

5

44. The man of many words is a man of many mistakes. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 45. To laugh too much lowers one’s dignity. Arabic proverb 46.

The liar is a sinner and the sinner perishes. (Arnold, Chrestomathia)

47. Fear drives out pain. Arabic proverb 48. Only an unsettling fear or a restless desire can expel passion from the heart. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 49. Weakness leads to debauchery. Arabic proverb 50. Pedigree is of no avail to the ill-mannered man. Al-Zuhrī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 51. Nothing leads one like suspicion. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 52. A king asked his minister: ‘What is the best thing with which a man can be endowed?’ He answered: ‘Brains by which to live.’ Thereupon the king asked: ‘And if he lacks them?’ He replied: ‘He should be adorned with good manners.’ Then the king asked: ‘And if he lacks them?’ He replied: ‘Wealth to make him secure.’ Then the king asked: ‘And if he lacks it?’ He replied: In that case it would be as well for a thunderbolt to burn him up and relieve the people and the country of him.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 53. The weapon of the weak is complaining. Arabic proverb 54. Man is the prey of forgetfulness. Arabic proverb

6

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

55. Forgetting is one of the forms of freedom. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 56. One gets worse as one gets older. Arabic proverb 57. When an old man cries ‘Ugh!’ he is not tired of life, but only of feebleness. Al-Mutanabbi' 58. He that hath been familiar with the world a long while, in his eye 'tis turned about, until he sees how false what looked so fair. Al-Mutanabbi' 59. The testimony of deeds is worth more than the testimony of witnesses. Arabic proverb

2 SOCIAL LIFE 60. Keep your house clean, for you do not know who is going to seek your hospitality. Arabic proverb 61. A drawing-room without talk is like a garden without fruit, trade without courtesy is like a horse without a bridle, a woman without modesty is like food without salt, a scholar without reticence is like a lamp without oil, a boy without politeness is like a house without a door, a friend without loyalty is like a bow without an arrow, a rich man without generosity is like a river without water, and a prince without justice is like a darkened house without any light in it. Tradition of the Prophet 62. When you go to visit a sick person, comfort his grief and say: ‘You will get well and live long,’ for these words will not prevent what is predestined, but they will solace his soul. Tradition of the Prophet 63. Eat whatever you like, but dress as others do. Arabic proverb 64. Throughout the ages anarchy has been caused by three sorts of person: news-tellers, news-seekers and news-receivers. News-tellers and newsseekers are not free from sin, and news-receivers are seldom free from reproach. Abū 'l-Qāsim the Sage Quoted in Al-Ghazālī 65. Two captains in one boat make it sink. Arabic proverb

7

8

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

66. When mouse and cat make peace, the grocer’s shop is lost. Arabic proverb 67. If someone will not come to you, go to him. Arabic proverb 68. It is not only pearls that come out of a shell. Arabic proverb 69. No-one knows your secrets except God and your neighbour. Arabic proverb 70. Through three things we lose three other things: beauty of face through being over-careful, being agreeable in speech through being trustworthy, and good fellowship through being loyal. Al-Ḥārith al-Muḥāsibī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 71. It is always the sore eye that gets the blow. Arabic proverb 72. Three things are unbearable: tapping, grumbling and bed-bugs. Arabic proverb 73. Advice given in the midst of a crowd is loathsome. Arabic proverb 74. A master craftsman standing watching another master craftsman is an embarrassing thing. Arabic proverb 75. Do not have your beard trimmed before two spectators, for one will say it is short, and the other will say it is long. Arabic proverb 76. A sage said: ‘The public rebuke is better than the secret grievance.’ Quoted in Al-Ghazālī

SOCIAL LIFE

9

77. Someone asked Ḥubbā al-Madīniyyah, an eloquent Arab woman, ‘What kind of wound never heals?’ She replied: ‘The appeal of a generous person to a mean person, which is refused.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 78. Ḥubbā al-Madīniyyah was asked: ‘What would you say on the subject of humiliation?’ She answered: ‘A noble person standing at the door of a despicable person, and then being refused entry.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 79. If you are no match for someone; sit not beside him. Arabic proverb 80. The cock crows, but he is not responsible for the dawn. Arabic proverb 81. A certain sage said: ‘There are seven sorts of person who have only themselves to blame if they are treated with contempt: the person who sits down at a table without being invited; the person who joins in the conversation of two people who have not brought him into the conversation; the person who tries to give orders to the master of the house; the person who seeks merit from that which is blameworthy; the person who scorns the king; the person who joins in a gathering for which he is not qualified; and the person who directs his conversation to someone who does not want to hear.’ Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm 82. Anger at the start is folly; at the end, regret. Arabic proverb 83. The man who contains his anger levels a mountain. Arabic proverb 84. If you want to keep your house safe, regard everyone as robbers. Arabic proverb 85. It is only the owner of the vineyard who watches over it diligently. Arabic proverb

10

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

86. The man who makes himself mash will be eaten by chickens. Arabic proverb 87. Show your teeth and everyone will fear you. Arabic proverb 88. They asked 'Antar: ‘Who gave you your reputation for valour?’ He replied: ‘No-one has ever tried to resist me!’ Arabic proverb 89. Do not press the coward too hard, or he will find his courage. Arabic proverb 90. Life is a ruse, and the person who employs ruses lives. Arabic proverb 91. Let each man pluck his thistles with his own hands. Arabic proverb 92. Lower your head when waves break. Arabic proverb 93. Let trouble alone, and trouble will let you alone. Arabic proverb 94. Hit water; it remains water. Arabic proverb 95. A complete flock and satisfied wolves are impossible. Arabic proverb 96. Were it not for breakage, potteries would come to a standstill. Arabic proverb 97. People are of different kinds, but most of them are malicious. Arabic proverb 98. A man said to the Caliph 'Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, may God be pleased with him: ‘This man So-and-so is a man of veracity.’ 'Umar asked him: ‘Have you ever travelled with him?’ The man replied: ‘No.’ 'Umar asked: ‘Has there ever been an argument or a misunderstanding be-

SOCIAL LIFE

11

tween the two of you?’ The man replied: ‘No.’ 'Umar asked: ‘Have you ever entrusted him with your wealth or your honour?’ The man replied: ‘No.’ ‘Then you are not the person who has any knowledge of these things. I realise that all you have seen is him bowing and raising his head in the mosque! A man’s veracity cannot be measured by that.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 99. Everything is better than man. Arabic proverb 100. People resemble the time in which they live more than they resemble their fathers. Arabic proverb 101. People say: ‘The times are corrupt; but it is they who have become corrupt; time is not corrupt.’ (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 102. The past more closely resembles the future than one drop of water does another drop of water. Ibn Khaldūn 103. Modesty in receiving honours is worth more than the honours themselves. Arabic proverb 104. Ḥubbā al-Madīniyyah was asked: ‘What is nobility?’ She replied: ‘Conferring acts of benevolence on people.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī

3 RELIGION 105. Only his extreme nearness to you is what veils God from you. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 106. Amongst the harbingers of success at the end is the turning to God at the beginning. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 107. That we know God, that we contemplate him and are conscious of him in our everyday behaviour, is the greatest truth in all religions. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 108. The cornerstone of spiritual health is belief in God. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 109. The eternally true in all religions is the same. The truth unites; dogma puts asunder. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 110. Let each man keep to his own religion and God will help him. Arabic proverb 111. Do not keep company with anyone whose state does not inspire you and whose speech does not lead you to God. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 112. Two things are incumbent upon men: that they should gain an understanding of the religion of God, and that they should do good to God’s creation. Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm 113. Whoever loveth to meet God, God loveth to meet him. Tradition of the Prophet 13

14

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

114. I marvel at a physician who denied the Creator after having studied anatomy; And the astronomer has been taught what affirms the truth of Religion—Stars of fire and stars akin to earth and water and wind. The sagacious man of the company is he that understands a hint, so that he deems it a plain statement. Al-Ma'arrī 115. A wise man said: ‘I bear witness that the heavens and earth are clear signs and evident proofs. Each one is a proof of God and witnesses to his dominion.’ Another one said: ‘Ask the earth “Who planted your trees and formed your rivers and gathered your fruits?” If it does not answer you in words, it will answer you with examples.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 116. If thou art atheist from excess of folly, Bear witness, O denier, I am none. I dread the chastisement from God hereafter And own the power supreme in hands of One. Al-Ma'arrī 117. If you tell me your creed I will tell you how much your life is worth. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 118. A man was asked to define piety. He said: ‘When you enter a country that is full of thorns, what do you do?’ He received the reply: ‘One goes carefully, and is on one’s guard.’ The man rejoined: ‘If one does that in this world, that is piety.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 119. I have travelled east and west, and experienced good times and bad, and I have found nothing better than wealth, save religion, and nothing worse than poverty, save unbelief. The Imām al-Shāfi'ī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 120. Be in the world like a traveller, or like a passer-by, and reckon yourself as of the dead. Tradition of the Prophet

RELIGION

15

121. Whoever lives in this world, and mingles with it, will never in any circumstances be able to attain all his desires, and achieve all his purposes. Severus ibn al-Muqaffa' 122. Space hath no limit and doth ever last, But Time is fleeting, never standing fast. The fool said, ‘I have thrown to earth my foe,’ Perish his hands! What gave him power to throw? Man, like a fire that blazed awhile and ceased In ashes, lives most blest presuming least. Al-Ma'arrī 123. A certain sage said: ‘This world is like salt water: the more a person drinks of it, the more thirsty he becomes; and like a cup of honey with poison at the bottom, containing instant sweetness for the person who tastes, but, speedy death at its end; and like the dreams of a sleeper which cause him joy during his sleep, but his joy vanishes when he wakes up; and like lightning which illumines for a moment, but soon disappears, leaving the one desiring it behind in the dark, and like the silkworm, which the more it envelops itself in silk, isolates itself more from the outside world.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 124. Someone once said to a sage: ‘Characterize the world for us.’ He answered: ‘It is hope in front of you, and a natural span before you; a tempting devil and refractory desires. It summons you and you respond; you try to push it aside and you fail. It frustrates determination and claims back what had been given. Everyone in it hastens towards the unknown.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 125. No man is a true believer unless he desireth for his brother that which he desireth for himself. Tradition of the Prophet

16

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

126. The world is like a viper soft to touch that venom spits. Abū 'l-'Atāhiyah 127. A certain sage said: ‘There are four things we seek, yet mistake the way to them: we seek wealth in money, yet it is in contentment; we seek ease in multiplicity, yet it is in paucity; we seek esteem from men, yet it is in piety; we seek well-being in food and clothing, yet it is in godfearingness and integrity.’ Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm 128. An Arab ascetic said: ‘He that renounceth the world is not worthy to be praised overmuch, because although for a short time he doth voluntarily renounce it, after a little he is made to do so involuntarily.’ Quoted by Bar Hebraeus 129. Religion is admonition; and it means being pure. Tradition of the Prophet 130. One of the things Ibn Zuhrah al-Andalusī said was: ‘A man does not love his Creator until he expends himself in pleasing him both secretly and publicly, so that God discerns in his heart that he seeks no-one but him.’ He was asked what the sign of the person who knows God is. He replied: ‘A constant remembrance of him, an absence of vexation with the things which pertain to him, and an absence of familiarity with anyone other than him.’ And he said: ‘There is nothing amazing in me, a poor slave, loving thee, but it is amazing that thou, a mighty king, shouldst love me.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 131. Worship is in good deeds, not in devotions. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 132. An hour’s contemplation is better than a year’s adoration. Tradition of the Prophet 133. Many an unbeliever actively doing good is more beloved of God than a believer who is in a monastery. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

RELIGION

17

134. Your postponement of deeds till the time when you are free is one of the frivolities of the ego. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 135. Verily, a man hath performed prayers, fasts, charity, pilgrimage and all other good works; but he will not be rewarded but by the proportion of his sense. Tradition of the Prophet 136. Trust in God, but tie your camel. Tradition of the Prophet 137. Pray to God morning and evening, and employ the day in your avocations. Tradition of the Prophet 138. Those who earn an honest living are the beloved of God. Tradition of the Prophet 139. Be persistent in good actions. Tradition of the Prophet 140. Actions will be judged according to intentions. Tradition of the Prophet 141. What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the wrongs of the injured. Tradition of the Prophet 142. To defend a man who has been wronged is one of the highest manifestations of faith. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

18

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

143. A man asked Muḥammad what was the mark whereby a man might know the reality of his faith. He said: ‘If thou derive pleasure from the good which thou hast performed, and be grieved for the evil which thou hast committed, thou art a true believer! The man said ‘What doth a fault really consist in?’ He said: ‘When anything pricketh thy conscience, forsake it.’ Tradition of the Prophet 144. A sincere repenter of faults is like him who hath committed none. Tradition of the Prophet 145. The jewels of godliness are six qualities: the concealment of poverty so that people think you are wealthy; the concealment of charity so that people think you are a miser; the concealment of anger so that people think you are complacent; the concealment of kindnesses so that people think you do not do them: the concealment of misfortune so that people think you have never been afflicted; and the concealment of distress so that people think you are living in comfort. 'Abdullāh ibn Muḥammad al-Harawī (Al-Durr al Manz.ūm) 146. The wise man is the person who is above grudges and rancor. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 147. The exercise of religious duties will not atone for the fault of an abusive tongue. Tradition of the Prophet 148. Do not speak ill of the dead. Tradition of the Prophet 149. Humility and courtesy are acts of piety. Tradition of the Prophet 150. The proof of a Muslim’s sincerity is that he payeth no heed to that which is not his business. Tradition of the Prophet

RELIGION

19

151. Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever hath not kindness hath not faith. Tradition of the Prophet 152. Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men to thy charity, for their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race. Al-Ma'arrī 153. Thou do not unjustly eat the fishes of the sea, and do not desire as food the flesh of the slaughtered animals. Or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught for their young, not for the noble ladies. And do not grieve the unsuspecting birds by taking their eggs; for injustice is the worst of crimes. And spare, the honey which the bees get betimes by their industry from the flowers of fragrant plants; For they did not store it that it might belong to others, nor did they gather it for bounty and gifts. Al-Ma'arrī 154. The body which gives thee during life a form, Is but thy vase: be not deceived, my soul: Cheap is the bowl thou storest honey in, But precious for the contents of the bowl. Al-Ma'arrī 155. The Messenger of God was asked: ‘What is the greatest vice of man?’ He said: ‘You must not ask me about vice, but ask about virtue’; and he repeated this three times, after which he said: ‘Know ye: The worst of men is a bad learned man, and a good learned man is the best.’ Tradition of the Prophet 156. Do not associate any one thing with God, although they kill or burn you; nor affront intentionally your parents, although they should order you to quit your wife, your children and your property. Never drink wine; for it is the root of all evil; abstain from vice; and when a pestilence shall pervade mankind, and you shall be amongst them, remain with them; and cherish your children. Tradition of the Prophet

20

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

157. The person who avows his fault is more noble than the person who demands his right. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 158. The light of certainty breaks forth from behind the mist of doubt. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 159. I would wish to see the fruits of the prophets and the fruits of the scientists on the same tree. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 160. Many systems of belief are like window-glass; we see the truth through it, but it cuts us off from it. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 161. Some kinds of faith are like carbon; others are like diamond. Both of them are the same mineral. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 162. Books of religion are lamps with which life’s paths may be illuminated; they are not gauges by which knowledge may be measured. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 163. The worst sort of writing that any man can produce is that which has no belief in it. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 164. The truth is not always beautiful. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

RELIGION

21

165. Religion is a well-tilled field, Planted and watered by desire Of one who longed for Paradise, Or one who dreaded Hell and Fire. Aye, were it but for reckoning At Resurrection, they had not Worshipped God, nor did repent, Except to gain a better lot. As though religion were a phase Of Commerce in their daily trade; Should they neglect it they would lose Or persevering would be paid. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 166. There are five sorts of day: a day which is lost, that is, yesterday; a day that is unfolding, that is today; a day which you are approaching, that is, tomorrow; a day that has been appointed, that is your last day on earth; and a day that shall be protracted, that is, the Day of Resurrection. Quoted in Al-'Arabī 167. Someone said: ‘There are three sorts of workers: the worker who works like a son, to win the love of his father; the worker who is like a hireling, who works for the sake of a specified reward; and the worker who is like a slave, who works in fear of a severe punishment. If you are able you should work like sons seeking favour or like slaves.’ Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm 168. A certain philosopher said: ‘I marvel at a man who is careful about his food for fear of getting ill, but is not careful about his sins for fear of retribution.’ Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm 169. There are three things which bring perdition, and three things which bring salvation: as regards things which lead to perdition, they are invincible stinginess, the following of one’s passions, and selfadmiration. As regards the things which lead to salvation, they are: the fear of God in private and public, frugality in both wealth and poverty, and fairness both in equanimity and anger. Tradition of the Prophet

22

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

170. The believer will only escape God Most High’s punishment by abandoning four things: mendacity, pride, miserliness and suspicion of others. Tradition of the Prophet 171. There are seven kinds of things for which a man may be destined to receive a reward after his death: the planting of a date-palm, the digging of a well, the cutting of a canal, the building of a mosque, the copying of the Qur'ān, the bequeathing of a contribution to knowledge, the leaving of a good son who asks forgiveness for him. Tradition of the Prophet 172. Hell is veiled in delights, and Heaven in hardships and miseries. Tradition of the Prophet 173. Heaven lieth at the feet of mothers. Tradition of the Prophet 174. O God, give me compassion, but do not give me love. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 175. Some people see nothing but the good in the action of others: these are the generous, and you should honour them. Others see nothing but the bad: these are the mean, and you should spurn them. Yet others see both the good and the bad: these are the wise, and you should follow them. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 176. Al-Ḥajjāj was angry with a tribal chief, and imprisoned him in a darkened room, ordering him to be fettered in irons. He remained in that state for some time. Then al-Ḥajjāj sent someone to find out how he was, and found him cheerful and filled with fortitude. They said to him: ‘Here you are in this unhappy situation, and yet you are in cheerful spirits.’ He replied: ‘I have made up six ingredients and kneaded them together, and taken them, and it is they which keep me in my present state of mind.’ They said: ‘Describe these ingredients; we might be able to benefit from them in case of need.’ He answered: ‘The first ingredient is trust in God; the second is that everything that has been foreordained will happen; the third is that patience is the best thing a person being put to the test can make use of; the fourth is if I

RELIGION

23

do not endure, what shall I do? The fifth is there may be a situation worse than mine; the sixth is that things can change for the better at any time.’ His words reached al-Ḥajjāj, and he released him and honoured him. Quoted in Al-'Arabī 177. Blame me or no, 'tis my predestined state: If I have erred, infallible is Fate. Abū 'l-'Atāhiyah

4 THE NEXT LIFE 178. Remember often the destroyer and cutter off of delights, which is death. Tradition of the Prophet 179. Death is the final argument. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 180. When the bier of anyone passeth by you, whether Jew, Christian or Muslim, rise to thy feet. Tradition of the Prophet 181. The grave is the first stage of the journey into eternity. Tradition of the Prophet 182. When thy soul mounts, in God have faith Even to thy last remaining breath; So mayst thou hope forgiveness on a day When thy grave dug, the digger goes his way. Al-Ma'arrī 183. Today it is this life, but tomorrow it shall be the eternal life. Arabic proverb 184. The people for the Abode of Bliss are three: the first, a just king, a doer of good to his people, endowed with virtue; the second, an affectionate man, of a tender heart to relations and others; the third, a virtuous man. Tradition of the Prophet 185. They will enter the garden of bliss who have a true, pure and merciful heart. Tradition of the Prophet 25

26

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

186. This life is but a tillage for the next; do good that you may reap there; for striving is the ordinance of God, and whatever God hath ordained can only be attained by striving. Tradition of the Prophet 187. You will not enter Paradise until you have faith; and you will not complete your faith till you love one another. Tradition of the Prophet 188. A man heard another exclaim: ‘Where can one find an abstemious person in the things of this world? And where can one find a person desirous of the next?’ The former answered him: ‘You only have to transfer your words, and you can find such people anywhere.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 189. An Arab ascetic said: ‘It is meet for a man to make provision for himself in this world according to the time which he shall abide therein, and also for the world which is to come according to the time which he shall abide therein.’ Quoted in Bar Hebraeus 190. A person should reckon how long eternity had lasted when he himself did not exist in this world; how long it will last when he ceases to exist; and how long will last his few days which lie between the eternity with no beginning and the eternity with no end. He will then understand that this world resembles the route of a traveller, starting from the cradle, ending at the grave, and with a given number of stages in between; that each year is like a stage, each month like a league, each day like a mile and each breath like a step; and that the traveller is continually moving along this road. One person may have one league’s distance to go, another less, another more; yet each sits tranquil, as if he were always to remain in the same position, planning activities which may last ten years and which he himself may never need—for in ten years he may be under the earth. Al-Ghazālī 191. The Garden is nearer you than the thongs of your sandals; and the Fire likewise. Tradition of the Prophet

THE NEXT LIFE

27

192. He will not enter Hell who hath faith equal to a single grain of mustard seed in his heart; and he will not enter Paradise who hath a single grain of pride, equal to one of mustard seed in his heart. Tradition of the Prophet 193. The signs of those who are going to Paradise are seven and the signs of those who are going to Hell are seven: the signs of those who are going to Paradise are a pleasant face, a humble heart, a pious tongue, a generous hand, frequent prayer, constant fasting and the greeting of every Muslim who is encountered. The signs of those who are going to Hell are an insolent face, a dissolute heart, a foul tongue, a miserly hand, infrequent prayer, deficient fasting and failure to greet every Muslim who is encountered. Tradition of the Prophet 194. The haughty person will not enter the confines of Paradise. Tradition of the Prophet 195. The proud will not enter Paradise, nor a violent speaker. Tradition of the Prophet 196. Paradise is not for him who reproacheth others with obligation after giving. Tradition of the Prophet 197. A Paradise of pleasure Bought with a world of pain— Fie on the luckless treasure That I must bleed to gain. Al-Ma'arrī 198. And death on earth, to son of earth Is final, but to him who is Ethereal, it is but the start Of triumph certain to be his. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān

5 KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE 199. The fruit of culture is the superior mind, and the fruit of knowledge is good deeds. The Caliph 'Alī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 200. Whoever seeketh knowledge and findeth it, will get two rewards; one of them the reward for desiring it, and the other for attaining it; therefore, even if he do not attain it, for him is one reward. Tradition of the Prophet 201. Excessive knowledge is better than excessive praying; and the support of religion is abstinence, it is better to teach knowledge one hour in the night, than to pray the whole night. Tradition of the Prophet 202. The best knowledge is the one accompanied by fear. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 203. The person who is satisfied with a veneer of knowledge and philosophy is like the person, who when washing himself, is satisfied with just washing his face. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 204. Acquire knowledge. It enableth its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lighteth the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guideth us to happiness; it sustaineth us in misery; it is an ornament amongst friends, and an armour against enemies. Tradition of the Prophet 205. A man asked al-Muhallab ibn abī Ṣufrah, who was a highly capable military leader: ‘How is it that you have been so successful and have 29

30

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM reached a position so high that you are an object of envy?’ AlMuhallab replied: I did it purely through knowledge.’ But the man objected: ‘Yet I have seen other men who have not got as far as you, and yet who are more highly educated than you: indeed, men who have exerted the utmost effort in acquiring knowledge.’ Al-Muhallab answered: ‘That is because I have used my knowledge, and have not simply carried it around in my head, while other men just carry it around in their heads and do not use it.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī

206. God Most High only gives a learned man knowledge on the understanding that he will not hide it. The Caliph 'Alī (Majānī al-Adab) 207. A man asked the Apostle of God, may God bless him and give him peace, regarding the most meritorious actions, and he replied: ‘Knowledge of God Most High, and an understanding of his religion, and refining both things through him.’ The man returned: ‘O Apostle of God, I am asking you about actions, but you are telling me about knowledge.’ He replied: ‘Knowledge in conjunction with the least action will be of use to you; ignorance in conjunction with much action will be of no use to you.’ Tradition of the Prophet 208. A certain sage said: ‘Knowledge is a sultan and forbearance is his vizier. Intellect is his guide and action is his commander. Concord is his father and filial feeling his brother. Patience is the general of his troops.’ Majānī al-Adab 209. Knowledge is better than money. Knowledge protects you but you have to protect money. Knowledge judges, but money is condemned. The Caliph 'Alī (Majāni al-Adab)

KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE

31

210. Gall knoweth not what first embittered it, Nor honey the riddle of its sweet; I could not answer when ye asked me why; Whoso pretends to knowledge, 'tis a lie. Al-Ma'arrī 211. The son of a midwife knows everything. Arabic proverb 212. No father hath given his child anything better than good manners. Tradition of the Prophet 213. Verily, a man teaching his child manners is better for him than giving one bushel of grain in alms. Tradition of the Prophet 214. Learning in childhood is like engraving on a rock. Arabic proverb 215. The learned man is he who does not disdain to change and amend his beliefs in the cause of truth. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 216. Time is an excellent teacher. Arabic proverb 217. Looking upon faces of learned men is worship. Tradition of the Prophet 218. A man is learned as long as he seeks learning, but when he thinks he is learned he is an ignoramus. Ibn al-Mubārak (Majānī al-Adab) 219. I heard a man of experience say: ‘A man is not learned until he has listened to someone older than he is, and someone who is the same age, and someone who is younger than he is.’ 'Uthmān ibn abī Shaybah (Majānī al-Adab)

32

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

220. Learning follows various roads. We note the start but not the end. For Time and Fate must rule the course, While we see not beyond the bend. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 221. The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr. Tradition of the Prophet 222. He dieth not who giveth life to learning. Tradition of the Prophet 223. To listen to the words of the learned, and to instil into others the lessons of science, is better than religious exercises. Tradition of the Prophet 224. The devout person who lacks knowledge is like the donkey operating a mill: he goes round and round, but he covers no distance. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 225. Some eloquence is magic, and verily some knowledge is a cause of ignorance; and some poetry is philosophy; and verily some speeches are heavy. Tradition of the Prophet 226. There are two benefits of which the generality of men are losers, and of which they do not know the value: one is health, the other leisure. Tradition of the Prophet 227. Ignorance is a steed whose rider is misled, and whose groom slips. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 228. The person who is patient with a fool is no better than he is. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 229. Infer the existence of ignorance in anyone whom you see answering all that he is asked or reporting all that he knows or mentioning all that he witnesses. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh

KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE

33

230. The most ignorant of all people is the one who abandons the certitude he has for an opinion people have. Ibn 'Aṭā'illāh 231. When a man is ignorant of his own worth, another sees in him what he cannot see himself. Al-Mutanabhi' 232. The ignorant person is forgiven seventy offences before the knowledgeable person is forgiven one. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 233. An ignorant man’s death is the final station on the journey of life; the death of a man of intellect is the first station on the journey of thought. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 234. A learned man who says ‘I don’t know’ is better than a knowing ignoramus. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 235. The ignorant man seeks money, the intelligent man perfection. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 236. The best of gifts is intelligence and the worst of misfortunes is ignorance. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 237. A certain sage said: ‘The weight of a grain of knowledge is better than a thousand years of striving by an ignorant man.’ (Majānī al-Adab) 238. The error of the learned man is announced with a roll of drums but the error of the ignorant man is concealed by ignorance. Al-Khalīl (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 239. The intelligent man has four marks by which he can be recognized: first, he overlooks the offences of persons who have wronged him; secondly, he treats lesser men humbly; thirdly he outstrips higher

34

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM placed men in good works; fourthly, he always remembers God, always speaks with knowledge, and always realizes the utility of speech and the time and place for it. When hardship befalls him he stretches out his hand to God. The unintelligent man likewise has distinguishing marks: he wrongs people, ill-treats the humble, claims superiority over the great, speaks without knowledge, and mistakenly stays silent. When hardship befalls him, he destroys himself: and when he sees good works, he turns away his face. Tradition of the Prophet

240. 'Alī was asked to describe the intelligent person. He replied: ‘He is the person who puts a thing in its place.’ Quoted in Arnold, Chrestomathia 241. A rational idea is sharper than a polished sword blade. The Caliph 'Umar (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 242. Truth requires two persons: one to utter it, and another to understand it. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 243. The tongue of experience has most truth. Arabic proverb 244. Someone said to a certain sage: ‘The people of the city of Such-andsuch have never accepted what you said.’ He replied: ‘There is no obligation on me that my words should be accepted; my obligation is that they should be right.’ Bahā' al-Dīn al-'Ómilī (Majānī al-Adab) 245. People are the enemies of what they do not understand. The Caliph 'Alī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 246. Do not seek to find out who said a thing, but what was said. Arabic proverb

KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE

35

247. I take God to witness that the souls of men are without intelligence, like the souls of moths. Al-Ma'arrī 248. The man most understanding is the one who looks at consequences. Arabic proverb 249. Wisdom is the cherished goal of the believer: he takes it from wherever he finds it. Khayr al-Dīn al-Tūnisī 250. Oh, cleave ye to Reason’s path that rightly ye may be led: Let none set his hopes except upon the Preserver: And quench not the Almighty’s beams, for lo, He hath given to all A lamp of intelligence for use and enjoying. Al-Ma'arrī

6 MARRIAGE 251. Marriage is incumbent on all who possess the ability. Tradition of the Prophet 252. Mu'āwiyah son of Ḥaydar said: ‘O Apostle of God: what is my duty to my wife?’ He said: ‘That you give her to eat when you eat yourself, and clothe her when you clothe yourself; and do not slap her in the face nor abuse her, nor separate yourself from her in displeasure.’ Tradition of the Prophet 253. A Muslim must not hate his wife; and if he be displeased with one bad quality in her, then let him be pleased with another which is good. Tradition of the Prophet 254. A man who does not forgive a woman her small faults will never enjoy her good qualities. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 255. Admonish your wives with kindness. Tradition of the Prophet 256. Only a man without honour beats a woman. Arabic proverb 257. The daughter of al-Khass, who was known for her eloquence and good sense, was asked: ‘Aren’t you going to get married?’ She replied: ‘Yes, but I do not wish to marry the brother of Prince So-and-so, or the son of wealthy Mr So-and-so, or the person who affects to be witty, or who is grossly fat; rather I would have my husband to be a good provider, when he goes out, and cheerful when he comes in.’ Then she added: ‘Do not force your daughters to take ugly men, for they have the same preferences as you.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 37

38

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

258. As for marriage, I have married you off, but as for luck, where am I to get it for you? Arabic proverb 259. There is no monkery in Islam. Tradition of the Prophet 260. The thing which is lawful, but disliked by God, is divorce. Tradition of the Prophet 261. He who depends on his wife’s money is good for nothing. Tradition of the Prophet 262. Every wedding must have some hitch. Arabic Proverb 263. To get a bride you have to spend money. Arabic proverb 264. Inquire about the mother before you marry the girl. Arabic proverb 265. Woe to him whose malady is his wife. Arabic proverb 266. A group of wealthy people went to al-A'mash as he was standing at his door. As soon as he saw them he went into his house, and immediately came out again. He was asked why he did so, and answered: ‘I could see that you looked unattractive and boring, so I went inside to my wife, and as soon as I saw her I was content with you: above the one affliction is another.’ (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 267. To marry a widow and her daughter is to ruin your home in a year’s time. Arabic proverb 268. Every man loves two women: one created by his imagination, and another that has not yet been born. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān

MARRIAGE

39

269. Love is a veil between one lover and another. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 270. A woman may be married by four qualifications: One on account of her money, another on account of the nobility of her pedigree; another on account of her beauty; the fourth, on account of her virtue. Therefore look out for a woman who hath virtue; but if you do it from any other consideration, your hands be rubbed in dirt. Tradition of the Prophet

7 THE FAIR SEX 271. The world and all things in it are valuable; but the most valuable thing in the world is a virtuous woman. Tradition of the Prophet 272. The rights of women are sacred. See that women are maintained in the rights attributed to them. Tradition of the Prophet 273. Give your wife good counsel; and if she has goodness in her, she will soon take it, and leave off idle talking; and do not beat your noble wife like a slave. Tradition of the Prophet 274. Three of the things of your world I am fond of—perfumes and the society of women, but that which my heart rejoiceth in is prayer. Tradition of the Prophet 275. It is the man who makes the money, but it is the woman who builds the house. Arabic Proverb 276. An old man of the Banū al'-Anbar said to us: ‘People used to say “Women are of three kinds; one sort who is easy going, amenable, agreeable and a true believer, who helps her family to gain its livelihood, and who does not add to the difficulties of life; another who is a producer of children; and a third who is a lice-infested yoke which God imposes on the neck of whom He will, and removes it from who He will.”’ Al-Aṣma'ī Quoted in al-'Arabī

41

42

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

277. Life is full of misery, and most of its misery is caused by women. Arabic proverb 278. One woman upset Paradise. Arabic proverb 279. Four wives, and the waterskin is dry! Arabic proverb 280. An immodest woman is like saltless food. Arabic proverb 281. A woman may conceal love for forty years, but she cannot conceal her dislike and hatred for one day. The Caliph 'Ali (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 282. Had every invocation for evil been answered, no woman nor any old woman would have been spared. Arabic proverb 283. A clever woman does all her work; but the stupid one calls on her neighbour. Arabic proverb 284. Rather indulge the whim of a snake than indulge the whim of a little girl. Arabic proverb 285. Just as a jar remains a jar through you may make it stand on its mouth, so does a daughter grow to be like her mother. Arabic proverb 286. When evening falls all women become equal. Arabic proverb 287. The Prophet visited his mother’s grave, and wept, and caused those standing around him to weep also; that is, he wept to such a degree as to move the rest. Tradition of the Prophet

THE FAIR SEX

43

288. When a woman performeth the five times of prayer, and fasteth the month of Ramadan, and is chaste, and is not disobedient to her husband, then tell her to enter Paradise by whichever door she liketh. Tradition of the Prophet

8 RELATIVES 289. One’s pedigree is an asset. Arabic proverb 290. Oh, I wish I had some relative even though he were dust. Arabic proverb 291. The favour of God does not descend upon that family in which is one who deserts his relations. Tradition of the Prophet 292. I saw Muḥammad distributing a meal in Ji'rānah; and behold a woman came close to him, and he spread his garment for her to sit upon. When I saw such respect shown to the woman, I asked who she was; and those present said: ‘This is his nurse.’ Tradition of the Prophet 293. He who wisheth to enter Paradise at the best door must please his father and mother. Tradition of the Prophet 294. A man is bound to do good to his parents, although they may have injured him. Tradition of the Prophet 295. ‘O Messenger of God! verily I have done a great crime: is there any act by which I may repent?’ He said: ‘Have you a mother?’ ‘No’ said the questioner. ‘Have you an aunt?’ asked Muḥammad. He said ‘Yes, I have’ Muḥammad said: ‘Go, do good to her, and your crime will be pardoned.’ Tradition of the Prophet

45

46

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

296. If you come back from a journey, offer your family something, though it be only a stone. Arabic proverb 297. Better to have one thousand enemies outside the home, rather than have one single enemy inside it. Arabic proverb 298. Enmity among relatives is more painful than scorpions’ stings. Arabic proverb 299. My brother and I are against our cousin; and my cousin and I are against the stranger. Arabic proverb 300. Children at first bring poverty, but later bring riches. Arabic proverb 301. He who does not bring up his children when young, shall not have them when grown up. Arabic proverb 302. Do not spite him who is to be your son-in-law. Arabic proverb 303. He who marries your child becomes your child. Arabic proverb 304. When your son is young, discipline him; when he grows older be a brother to him. Arabic proverb 305. Dearer than the son is the grandson. Arabic proverb 306. The son of the son is a dear son, but the son of the daughter is the son of a stranger. Arabic proverb

RELATIVES

47

307. The man who does not have a beautiful wife has no chivalry; the man who has no children has nothing to boast of in this world; but the man who has neither of these things has no worries. Abū 'I-Qāsim the sage (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 308. In each family there is some weakling. Arabic proverb 309. The beetle is a beauty in the eyes of its mother. Arabic proverb 310. Visit rarely, and you will be more loved. Arabic proverb 311. A stranger is the relative of every other stranger. Arabic proverb

9 FRIENDS AND ENEMIES 312. There are three things which establish affection in the heart of your brother: that you greet him amicably, that you make a place for him when you foregather, and that you address him with the names he likes best. The Caliph 'Umar (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 313. An intelligent man should choose his companion as he chooses his food and drink; on the choice of the latter depends the health of the body, and on the choice of companion depends the health of the soul. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 314. The man who seeks a friend without blemish remains without a friend. Arabic proverb 315. My friend is not the one who loves me with his tongue, but the one who loves me when he is elsewhere, and whose money is my money when I am impoverished, and mine is his if misfortunes put him in need. Arabic proverb 316. Do not pray for good fortune for your friend, lest you lose him. Arabic proverb 317. You may forget the person with whom you have laughed, but you will never forget the person with whom you have wept. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 318. Do not call a friend to account for an error if you want to retain his affection. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 49

50

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

319. Sow sincerity and composure, and you will reap trust and loyalty. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 320. I like self-respect in my friend more than chivalry; I like pride in him, even though it is severe. I do not like pettiness, even though it contains kindness. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 321. If a serpent love thee, wear him as a necklace. Arabic Proverb 322. If someone comes to you in amity, do not go to him overmuch; for it is in man’s nature to hold aloof from the person who approaches him, and to approach the person who holds aloof from him. The Caliph 'Umar (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 323. The hallmark of a friend is that he should be a friend of one’s friend and an enemy to the enemy of one’s friend. The Caliph 'Umar (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 324. True friendship is that in which the heart, the mind and the conscience combine. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 325. Do not expect your friend to help you if you are wrong, nor to exert himself in your affairs if you are dilatory in them. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 326. A friend is like a patch to a garment: if he is not of the same quality he is despised. Arabic proverb 327. The worst sort of friend is one who does not consider you his equal. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 328. Love is particular; hatred is general. Arabic proverb

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

51

329. Hatred is a lifeless corpse. Which of you wants to be a tomb? Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān 330. Falsehood hath so corrupted all the world, Ne’er deal as true friends they whom sects divide; But were not hate Man’s natural element, Churches and mosques had risen side by side. Al-Ma'arrī 331. The worst of misdeeds are those which a man commits against himself. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 332. I am your adversary until you understand me. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 333. The eternal enmities are: The conflict between the soul and the body. The conflict between science and religion. The conflict between woman and man. The conflict between master and servant. The conflict between principle and interest. The conflict between fanaticism and tolerance. The conflict between freedom and tyranny. The conflict between man and nature. The conflict between me and you. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 334. You never have a real friend until you have had a thousand enemies. Arabic proverb 335. The friend who does you no good is like the enemy who does you no harm. Arabic proverb 336. Enmity is a part of family. Arabic proverb 337. A hyena saw a gazelle riding a donkey, and asked if she might ride behind her. The gazelle agreed to this. The hyena exclaimed, ‘How swift

52

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM your donkey is!’ Then after a little way she repeated: ‘How swift your donkey is!’ Thereupon the gazelle said: ‘Dismount, before you start to say: “How swift my donkey is!”’ Ibn al-Jawzī

338. The only real enemy is the trade rival. Arabic proverb 339. A vinegar seller does not like another vinegar seller. Arabic proverb 340. Pass in front of your enemy when you are hungry: do not do so when you are naked. Arabic proverb 341. A weak man who is on his guard against a strong enemy is more secure than a strong man who is beguiled by a weak enemy. (Majānī al-Adab) 342. The despised enemy may become strong, just as the sapid twig may turn into a thorn. (Majānī al-Adab) 343. Do not suppose that a weak enemy cannot get you into a predicament: a man may be killed with a lance that has lost both point and pommel. (Majānī al-Adab) 344. Do not make your enemy out to be insignificant, when you open hostilities on him, because if you beat him, you will not be praised, and if he beats you, you will have no excuse. (Majānī al-Adab) 345. I am an enemy of deeds, not an enemy of persons. Amin al-Rayliani 346. l have no enemies, O Lord; but if I have to have an enemy, make his strength equal to mine, O Lord, so that truth only shall have the victory. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

53

347. I would like to live without hating anyone, and to love without being jealous of anyone, and to rise without looking down on anyone, and to progress without trampling on anyone below me or envying anyone above me. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

10 POLITICS AND LAW 348. We do not consider that any creature has authority over us, only the authority of the Creator of beings. Ma'rūf al-Ruṣāfī 349. Every one of you is a ruler and every one of you shall be questioned about those under his rule: the king is a ruler and he shall be questioned about his subjects: and the man is a ruler in his family and shall be questioned about those under his care: and the woman is a ruler in the house of her husband, and she shall be questioned about those under her care; and the servant is a ruler so far as the property of his master is concerned, and he shall be questioned about that which is entrusted to him. Tradition of the Prophet 350. Obedience is due only in that which is good. Tradition of the Prophet 351. If you are a master, do not be too masterful. Arabic proverb 352. Every sun has its setting. Arabic proverb 353. A governor came to see the Caliph 'Umar and found him lying on his back with his children playing over him. The governor showed his disapproval of this, but 'Umar asked him: ‘How do you comport yourself with your family?’ He replied: ‘When I go into my house everyone falls silent.’ 'Umar returned: ‘You are dismissed! If you do not treat your family and children gently, how can you be expected to deal gently with the community of Muḥammad, upon him be peace?’ (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 55

56

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

354. An Arab ascetic seeing a king strongly guarded by his bodyguard said: ‘If he had done no injury to men he would not be afraid of them.’ Quoted by Bar Hebraeus 355. Three persons, if they unite against a town, will ruin it. Arabic proverb 356. Have no faith in the prince when his minister has cheated you. Arabic proverb 357. Beware of the man who takes to politics as a means of making his living. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 358. Politics has no religion. Arabic proverb 359. Like the government, he has no friend. Arabic proverb 360. When God Most High is angry with a nation he gives its youth authority over it. Mālik ibn Dīnār (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 361. The Caliph al-Mahdī was constantly appointing and dismissing his governors from fear that they would win the loyalty of the populace. One day a man came to him with a sandal, saying: ‘This is the sandal of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and give him peace.’ AlMahdī thereupon kissed it and put it against his eyes, and ordered the man to be given ten thousand dirhams. When he had gone, al-Mahdī said: ‘By God, this sandal has never seen the Apostle of God, may God bless him and give him peace, but if I had rejected it he would have said to the people: “I gave him the sandal of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and give him peace, and he rejected it”; and most of the people would have believed him, because what the masses are interested in is seeing the little man triumph over the great man.’ (Arnold, Chrestomathia)

POLITICS AND LAW

57

362. When you are a prince and I am a prince, tell me pray, who will drive the donkeys? Arabic proverb 363. When hunger brings the citizens together the citizens will come together against hunger. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 364. No right is lost which is followed up by demands. Arabic proverb 365. The nation in which social parasites multiply will not exist for long. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 366. If the government does not raze the citadels of ignorance, ignorance will raze the citadels of the government. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 367. The prince is the man who does not recognise a prince. Arabic proverb 368. Kings are rulers over the people and learned men are rulers over kings. (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 369. The worst scholars are those who sit with princes, and the best princes are those who sit with scholars. Fud.ayl (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 370. The man who shares with the sovereign the glory of this world will share with him the humiliation of the next. Ibn al-Mu'tazz (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 371. The love of power is lethal. Arabic proverb 372. Revolution is a tree of which the roots are mightier than the branches. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

58

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

373. A continuous crusade means permanent misery. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 374. The law and discipline are the two mighty citadels of freedom. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 375. There are numerous eyes in the head of the government, but only one eye in the head of justice. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 376. The law is like the spider which catches butterflies but leaves hornets alone. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 377. The tyranny of the cat rather than the justice of the mouse. Arabic proverb 378. The prince’s dog died. Everybody sent his condolences. The prince died. No one paid any attention. Arabic proverb 379. The law of continuing evolution dupes the legislator and the philosopher. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 380. Human laws are transitory, however long their span may be; only the law of evolution persists. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 381. All limits laid down by man will be removed by man. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 382. Force exists to strengthen freedom; and all force that is employed to frustrate this aim must be opposed. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 383. There is no political freedom without spiritual freedom. Amīn al-Rayḥānī

POLITICS AND LAW

59

384. There is nothing good about freedom which is not enlightened by discipline, or in discipline which is not enlightened by freedom. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 385. Freedom which is not baptised with fire does not last. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 386. Behind every battle the scene is set for another battle. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 387. I love my language and my fatherland because I love myself. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 388. When 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwān was engaged in fighting Muṣ'ab ibn al-Zubayr, the leading men of the Byzantines came to their king and said: ‘You have the opportunity to get the better of the Arabs, for they are preoccupied with each other, and their fury is turned against themselves. The wise course for you would be to attack them in their own territory. You would be able to humiliate them and achieve what you want from them.’ He forbade this, but they refused to listen. On seeing this he called for two dogs to be brought and set them against each other, whereupon they became engaged in a fierce fight. Then he called for a wolf to be brought, and released it between the two dogs. As soon as the two dogs saw the wolf they abandoned their fight and turned on the wolf and killed it. The king of Byzantium said: ‘They are just like the Arabs; they are fighting among themselves, but if they saw us, being already mobilized they would abandon their quarrel and turn on us.’ They recognised the truth of what he said and gave up their plan. (Arnold, Chrestomathia)

11 DEALING WITH BIG-WIGS 389. If you need anything from a dog, call him ‘Sir.’ Arabic proverb 390. When the monkey reigns, dance before him. Arabic proverb 391. When Ṭannūs has need of us, we just say: ‘Ṭannūs!’; but when we have need of Ṭannūs, we say: ‘We pray thee Ṭannūs!’ Arabic proverb 392. When a man of lowly origin rises high, he bites. Arabic proverb 393. Sufyān al-Thawrī said: ‘Do not keep company with the sultan. If you are obedient, he will overburden you; and if you are disobedient, he will kill you.’ Quoted in Al-Ghazālī 394. If you have gained security from a lion, do not presume to try to hunt him down. Arabic proverb 395. If the moon be with thee, thou needest not to care about the stars. Arabic proverb 396. The dog of a prince is a prince. Arabic proverb 397. We must not be slaves to those above us, nor must we enslave those beneath us. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 61

62

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

398. Thank the person who is gracious to you and be gracious to the person who thanks you. (Arnold, Chrestomathia)

12 THE ART OF INSULT AND THE APT RETORT 399. He has no noble pedigree, and no charming face. Arabic proverb 400. Like the truffle, without any known origin, and no sending forth of any branches. Arabic proverb 401. A discerning man looked at an ignoramus dressed in fine clothes who was speaking in a barbarous manner, and said to him: ‘Either talk to match your clothes, or dress to match your speech.’ Al-Qayrawānī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 402. A bucket without a handle, an ass without ears. Arabic proverb 403. He wants to present his condolences without knowing who has died. Arabic proverb 404. A foolish person abused a patient man, who remained silent. The former shouted at him ‘I’m talking to you!’ The other replied: ‘And I am taking no notice of you. As the poet says: “The slave of the Banu Misma' reviled me, and I preserved myself and my honour from him, not replying to him because I felt only contempt for him: if a man is bitten by a dog, does he bite it back?”’ Al-Tha'ālibī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 405. You kindle the flame, and then shout ‘Fire!’ Arabic proverb

63

64

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

406. You sit down on a wasps’ nest and say ‘How cruel is fate!’ Arabic proverb 407. He does not know how much one third of three is. Arabic proverb 408. He knows neither who laid the egg, nor who built the hencoop. Arabic proverb 409. A certain philosopher saw a stupid person sitting on a stone. ‘A stone on a stone,’ he remarked. Al-Ibshīhī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 410. Every hour he changes his mind like the clouds of February. Arabic proverb 411. He has not brains enough to fry an egg. Arabic proverb 412. Once when Hārūn al-Rashīd’s translator Yuḥanna ibn Masawayh was offended by a court favourite he exclaimed: ‘If the folly wherewith thou art afflicted were converted into intelligence and divided amongst a hundred beetles, each would then become more intelligent than Aristotle!’ Ibn al-Nadīm 413. He burns down a palace to light a cigarette. Arabic proverb 414. The story is told that during the reign of a certain king a man claimed the gift of prophecy. He came into the presence of the king, who asked him: ‘You are a prophet?’ The man replied: ‘Yes.’ The king then asked: ‘To whom have you been sent?’ The man answered: ‘To you.’ The king retorted: ‘I can see that you are an impudent fool!’ The man returned: ‘People are only sent to those who resemble them.’ The king laughed, and ordered him to be given a present. Al-Ibshīhī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab

THE ART OF INSULT AND THE APT RETORT

65

415. Upon a single raisin he builds a wine-cellar. Arabic proverb 416. They came to shoe the Pasha’s horses, and the black-beetle stretched forth its foot. Arabic proverb 417. A fly is nothing: yet it creates loathsomeness. Arabic proverb 418. Long tongue and short arm. Arabic proverb 419. Go and pave the sea. Arabic proverb 420. A poet described a miser as follows: ‘Quicksilver would not escape from his grasp, even if we bored a hole through his hands with a nail. He calls the cockerel to account for every peck and drives the cat out of the house. He writes on every loaf he has: “May God protect you from the mice.”’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 421. The mean-hearted man remains mean-hearted, even if he twists his moustaches around his ears. Arabic proverb 422. He sheds tears of blood over a piastre. Arabic proverb 423. He milks an ant. Arabic proverb 424. He lets the reins go and sends his tongue out to pasture in the meadows of lies. Ibn Khaldūn 425. He would steal a prisoner’s chamber pot. Arabic proverb

66

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

426. He eats the egg and its shell and says ‘I saw nothing.’ Arabic proverb 427. Low ground absorbs its own water and the water of others. Arabic proverb 428. He was begotten one month before the Devil. Arabic proverb 429. He slips through the holes of a sieve. Arabic proverb 430. He kills his victim, goes to the funeral, and curses the murderer. Arabic proverb 431. He eats the dates and I am pelted with the stones. Arabic proverb 432. Al-Ḥājirī, in satirizing a physician, says: ‘Wherever he goes Azrael is behind him, rolling up his sleeves to snatch his patients’ souls.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 433. A garbage collector with a rose in his hand. Arabic proverb 434. Every dog barks loudly at his own door. Arabic proverb 435. Someone said to a lunatic: ‘Count up the number of lunatics for us.’ The lunatic replied: ‘This would take me too long. But I will count up the sane people for you.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab

13 MONEY 436. Hail! noble coin, of saffron colour clear, O’er regions wide who passest far and near! Thy worth, thy titles, current still remain; Thy lines the secret pledge of wealth contain; Successful industry thy steps attend; Thy aspect bright all welcome as a friend; Endeared to all, as though thy precious ore Has e'en been molten from their own heart’s core. Whose purse thou fillest boldness may display, Though kindred be remiss or far away; With thee the great their influence maintain, Without thee pleasure’s sons of want complain; What heroes thy collected might hath quelled! What host of cares one stroke of thine dispelled! How oft an angry churl, whose fury burned, Thy whispered mention hath to mildness turned! Through thee the captive by his kin forgot Is ransomed back to joy’s unmingled lot. Such power is thine, that, if I feared not blame, I e’en would say, ‘Almighty is thy Name!’ Al-Ḥarīrī on the merits of money

67

68

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

437. Woe to thy jaundiced looks and double face, Thou false deceiver, counterfeit and base! In whom a loved one’s gay attire we view In union strange with lover’s sickly hue! Who sages justly deem a lure abhorred, Seducing man to crimes that grieve his Lord. Through thee the robber of his hand is maimed, The tyrant for corrupt extortion blamed; The sordid grudge benighted guests to aid, And creditors bewail their debts unpaid; Through thee we deprecate the baneful strokes Of envy’s eye which oft thy lust provokes; And, worst of all, if ill on mortals light, Thou aidest none but by a truant flight. Then wise is he who spurns without delay Thy proffered aid, and flings thee far away; Who, deaf to all thy soft enticing tones, With scorn unfeigned thy sordid love disowns, And sternly bids thy glittering form begone, How bright soe’er its false allurement shone. Al-Ḥarīrī on the evils of money 438. Money is a slave; coins loosen fetters. Arabic proverb 439. It has been said that money has a difficult incoming and an easy outgoing. Sufyān al-Thawrī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 440. O Lord! keep me alive a poor man, and let me die poor; and raise me amongst the poor. Tradition of the Prophet 441. The heart of the man who has plenty of money is always weary. Arabic proverb 442. The seeker of riches is dogged by trouble, always tired, much fatigued, his pleasure is little, his lot contemptible, he is wary of what the day

MONEY

69

may bring, he is at the mercy of a sultan who subjugates him and gnashes his teeth at him, and of laws which are imposed on him, but which he is too weak to resist, and of strong and hostile people who get the better of him and slander him and envy him and oppress him, and of children who weary him and want him dead, and misfortunes which assail and sadden him. Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī Quoted in Al-'Arabī 443. Even though a man were to have two valleys filled with money he would still want a third; the only thing that will fill a man’s belly is dust. Tradition of the Prophet 444. The owner of two dirhams will be more strictly called to account on the Day of Resurrection than the owner of one dirham. Abū Dhurr (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 445. It has been said: The avoidance of four things saves one from four things: by avoiding envy one may escape from grief; do not keep company with an evil companion, and you will escape blame; do not commit sins, and you will escape Hell; do not accumulate money, and you will be free of people’s enmity. Al-Ghazālī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 446. Who seeks for wealth without previous wealth is like him who carries water in a sieve. Arabic proverb 447. If mendacity should unfortunately be thy lot, knock at the large gates only. Arabic proverb 448. Knowledge and money may conceal every fault, while poverty and ignorance will reveal every fault. Tradition of the Prophet

70

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

449. The house should be the first thing bought and the last thing sold. Abū Dhurr (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 450. When you see a person who hath been given more than you, in money and beauty, then look to those who have been given less. Tradition of the Prophet 451. If I had been a merchant I would have chosen no other trade than perfume: even if I had made no profit at it, I should have had its scent. The Caliph 'Umar Quoted in Qāfilat al-Zayt 452. He who loves his money has no one to love him. Arabic proverb 453. Poverty without debts is perfect riches. Arabic proverb 454. The rich man is he whose income exceeds his expenditure: the poor man is he whose expenditure exceeds his income. Arabic proverb 455. To be in debt, even for a penny, is humiliation. Arabic proverb 456. Selling and buying is by the gramme, but tipping is by the ton. Arabic proverb 457. To sell and regret it, is better than not to sell and regret it. Arabic proverb 458. As long as a man is not dead, his chance of becoming wealthy is not over yet. Arabic proverb 459. If you desire to dissipate your fortune, work in a trade which is not yours. Arabic proverb

MONEY

71

460. Reckon loss before reckoning gain. Arabic proverb 461. It is related that a man said to Abū Isḥāq Ibrāhīm ibn Adham the Sufi: ‘O Abū Isḥāq, I would like you to accept this cloak from me as a gift.’ Ibrāhīm replied: ‘If you are wealthy I will accept it from you, but if you are poor I shall not accept if from you.’ The man said: ‘I am rich.’ Ibrāhīm asked him: ‘How much do you have?’ ‘Two thousand dinars.’ ‘And would it please you to have four thousand?’ ‘Yes.’ He returned: ‘Then you are poor. I will not accept it.’ Quoted in Al-'Arabī 462. Whoso hath a thing wherewith to discharge a debt, and refuseth to do it, it is right to dishonour and punish him. Tradition of the Prophet 463. The taker of usury and the giver of it, and the writer of its documents and the witness to it, are equal in crime. Tradition of the Prophet 464. The holder of a monopoly is a sinner and offender. Tradition of the Prophet 465. He who has money can eat ice-cream in Hell. Arabic proverb 466. Everybody is on the side of the rich. Arabic proverb 467. There is no messenger like money. Arabic proverb 468. Wealth, properly employed, is a blessing; and a man may lawfully endeavour to increase it by honest means. Tradition of the Prophet 469. Give a labourer his wage before his sweat be dry. Tradition of the Prophet 470. Wealth is either from income, or else from stinginess. Arabic proverb

72

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

471. Wealth degrades its owner if he does not spend of it. Amīn al-Rayḥānī 472. Rich men who are miserly are like asses or mules laden with silver and gold, yet which feed off straw and barley. Arabic proverb 473. The person who wants to make a good living should observe five things: first, he should never put off any religious duty for the sake of gain, nor curtail them; secondly, he should never cause harm to anyone God has created, for the sake of gain; thirdly, he should aim, through earning money, at the safeguarding of himself and his family, not at accumulation and excess; fourthly, he should not exert himself overmuch for the sake of gain; fifthly, he should regard his liveliliood as coming from God Most High and mere gain he should contemn. Abū 'I-Layth al-Samarqandī Quoted in Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm

14 HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY 474. It is not right for a guest to stay so long as to incommode his host. Tradition of the Prophet 475. Generosity is ease of spending and discarding stinginess of the soul. Someone said of a generous man: ‘O Arab who gives of his all, like no other person. If there were another like you, there would be no poor person in the world.’ Al-Suyūṭī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 476. Generous people are served by wealth, but miserly people are its servants. Majānī al-Adab 477. The generous person is near to God, near to people and near to Paradise; the mean person is far from God, far from people and near to Hell. Al-Musta'ṣimī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 478. A philosopher said: ‘The root of all virtues is generosity. The root of generosity is blamelessness of soul from what is forbidden, and liberality towards both high and low with what it possesses. The generous ignorant person is more beloved of God than the miserly person.’ Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 479. You belong to your money if you cling to it; but if you disburse it, it belongs to you. Abū Nuwās Quoted in Majānī al-Adab

73

74

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

480. A wise man was asked: ‘What is the most generous sort of person?’ He replied: ‘The person who is generous with small means, and protects the face of the beggar from humiliation.’ Bahā al-Dīn al-'Ómilī Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 481. One of the ancients said: ‘If anything resembled divinity, I would say it was generosity.’ Majānī al-Adab 482. It is of my ways that a man shall come out with his guest to the door of his house. Tradition of the Prophet 483. ‘O Apostle of God! Inform me, if I stop with a man, and he doth not entertain me, and he afterwards stoppeth at my house, am I to entertain him or act with him as he did with me?’ Muḥammad replied: ‘Entertain him.’ Tradition of the Prophet 484. When you have a tiresome person as your guest, entertain him in patience. Arabic Proverb 485. Someone said to al-Ḥasan ibn Sahl: ‘There is nothing good about prodigality.’ He replied: ‘There is nothing prodigal about goodness.’ Thus he reversed the phrase and gave it its full value. Quoted in Majānī al-Adab 486. The gift of a money-grubber is a sour lemon. Arabic Proverb 487. A stingy person eats at his own expense; a generous person eats at the expense of others. Arabic Proverb 488. To give a man one dirham while he is alive is better than to give him a hundred dirhams towards his funeral expenses. Tradition of the Prophet

15 HAPPINESS AND CONTENTMENT 489. Contentment is inexhaustible wealth. Tradition of the Prophet 490. The tail of happiness is very slippery; few can hold it. Arabic Proverb 491. Everybody’s worries are in proportion to his endurance. Arabic proverb 492. Each up-hill has its down-hill. Arabic proverb 493. A man’s happiness rests on five things: that his wife should be amiable, his children dutiful, his brothers godfearing, his neighbours upright and that his livelihood should be in his own native place. The Caliph 'Alī (Arnold, Chrestomathia) 494. A sage said six things would be cheap, even if they cost the world to buy: wholesome food, healthy children, congenial colleagues, considerate superiors, perfect speech and intelligence. Al-Ghazālī 495. Music is the food of the spirit just as comestibles are the food of the body: it refines the understanding, clears the mind, softens the disposition, warms people’s sympathies, gives courage to the coward and generosity to the miser. Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī (Arnold, Chrestomathia)

75

76

AN ANTHOLOGY OF ARAB WIT AND WISDOM

496. The person who eats little will have a healthy body; the person who eats a lot will be sick in body and mind. Tradition of the Prophet 497. Do not stretch your feet beyond your carpet. Arabic Proverb 498. A running stream is better than a dried-up river. Arabic Proverb 499. Better an available grain of dust, than a pearl which is unavailable. Arabic Proverb 500. Contentment: cleave to it and you will live as a king, even though you only possess bodily health. Look at the one who has possessed the world in its entirety; has he departed from it with more than a cotton shroud? Arabic Proverb

LIST OF SOURCES Abū'l - 'Atāhiyah (cited in R. A. Nicholson, A Literary History of the Arabs, Cambridge, 1953): 126, 177. Amīn al-Rayḥānī, Budhūr līl-Zari'īn (collected by Albert al-Rayḥānī, Beirut, N.D.): 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 22, 24, 27, 32, 35, 38, 41, 43, 107, 108, 109, 117, 131, 133, 142, 146, 157, 158, 159, 161, 162, 163, 164, 174, 175, 179, 203, 215, 233, 234, 318, 319, 320, 324, 325, 327, 331, 332, 333, 345, 347, 357, 363, 365, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 397, 471. Al-'Arabī, No. 140 (July, 1970): 52; No. 147 (February, 1971): 118, 166, 176; No. 168 (November, 1972): 442; No. 175 (June 1973): 461; No. 176 (July, 1973): 257, 276; No. 178 (September, 1973): 77, 78, 98, 104; No. 226 (September, 1977): 205. Arabic Proverbs: (i) J. L. Burckhardt, Arabic Proverbs (London, 1875): 9, 39, 63, 73, 100, 243, 309, 321, 339, 355, 364, 390, 395, 400, 405, 417, 446, 447. (ii) M. Feghali, Proverbes et Dictons Syro-Libanais (Paris, 1938): 11, 23, 25, 37, 45, 47, 49, 54, 56, 59, 60, 67, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 246, 299, 340, 391, 402, 403, 406, 413, 421, 425, 426, 430, 486.

( i i i ) A. Frayha, Modern Lebanese Proverbs (Beirut, 1953): 2, 3, 5, 13, 14, 15, 20, 29, 33, 65, 69, 71, 72, 74, 75, 79, 80, 85, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 99, 110, 183, 211, 214, 258, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 275, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 289, 290, 296, 297, 298, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 308, 328, 334, 335, 336, 338, 358, 359, 362, 378, 392, 396, 407, 408, 410, 411, 415, 418, 419, 422, 423, 428, 429, 433, 441, 452, 453, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 465, 466, 470, 487, 490, 491, 492, 497, 498, 499. (iv) L. Ma'lūf, Al-Munjid (Beirut, 1965): 28, 53, 68, 216, 314, 352, 367, 427, 431, 434, 484. (v) Y. Qūshāqjī, Al-Amthāl alSha'biyyah al-Ḥalabiyyah (Aleppo, 1977): 371, 377. (vi) C. Rabin, Arabic Reader (London, 1962): 66, 86, 256, 279, 310, 311, 316, 356, 389, 416, 467. (vii) R. Y. Ebied and M. J. L. Young, “A Collection of Arabic Proverbs from Mosul” in Annali dell' Istituto Orientate di Napoli, vol. 36 (N.S. XXVI), 1976: 95, 248, 315, 326, 399, 438, 454, 472, 500. F. A. Arnold, Chrestomathia Arabica (Halle, 1853): 18, 19, 36, 44, 46, 50, 64, 70, 307, 312, 313, 322, 323, 353, 360, 361, 368, 369, 370, 388, 398, 439, 444, 449, 493, 495.

77

78

LIST OF SOURCES

Bar Hebraeus, Oriental Wit and Wisdom (tr. E. A. Wallis Budge, London, 1899): 128, 189, 354. Al-Durr al-Manz.ūm (Leeds Arabic Ms No. 81): 81, 112, 127, 145, 167, 168, 473. Al-Ghazālī, The Book of Counsel for Kings (tr. F. R. C. Bagley, O.U.P., 1964): 76, 190, 239, 393, 494. Al-Ḥarīrī, Maqāmāt (tr. T. Preston, London, 1850): 436, 437. Ibn al-Jawzī, Kitāb al-Adhkiyā' (Beirut, 1966): 337. Ibn Khaldūn, Muqaddimah (Cairo, 1920): 102, 424. Ibn al-Nadīm (cited in P. K. Hitti, History of the Arabs, London, 1946): 412. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān, Jibrān Ḥayy waMayyit, (ed. Ḥabīb Mas'ūd, Beirut, 1966): 21, 42, 55, 160, 242, 254, 268, 269, 317, 329, 346. Jibrān Khalīl Jibrān, The Procession (New York, 1958): 165, 198, 220. Khayr al-Dīn al-Tūnisī (cited in A. M. Kerrou, A'lāmunā, No.3, Tunis, 1973): 249. Al-Ma'arrī (cited in R. A. Nicholson, A Literary History of the Arabs): 114, 116, 122, 152, 153, 154, 182, 197, 210, 247, 250, 330. Majānī al-Adab (Beirut, 1954-57): 115, 123, 124, 130, 188, 206, 208, 209, 218, 219, 237, 244, 341, 342, 343, 344, 401, 404, 409, 414, 420,

432, 435, 445, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 485. Ma'rūf al-Ruṣāfī (cited in A.J. Arberry, Arabic Poetry Cambridge, 1967): 30, 57, 58, 231. Qafilat al-Zayt (October/ November, 1977): 451. Severus ibn al-Muqaffa' Affliction’s Physic and the Cure of Sorrow, ed. R. Y. Ebied and M. J. L. Young (C.S.C.O., vols. 396, 397, Louvain, 1978): 121. Traditions of the Prophet: (i) F. A. Arnold, Chrestomathia Arabica (Halle, 1853): 17 61, 101, 103, 119, 169, 170, 171, 193, 194, 199, 207, 217, 224, 228, 232, 235, 236, 238, 240, 241, 245, 266, 281, 443, 448, 488, 496. (ii) Muhammed Ali, A Manual of Hadith (London, 1978): 349, 350. (iii) A. M. Al-Suhrawardy, The Sayings of Muhammad (Lahore, 1968): 26, 62, 113, 120, 125, 129, 132, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 143, 144, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 155, 156, 172, 173, 178, 180, 181, 184, 185, 186, 187, 191, 192, 195, 196, 200, 201, 204, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 251, 252, 253, 255, 259, 260, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 287, 288, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 440, 450, 462, 463, 464, 468, 469, 474, 482, 483.