‘Daftar Al Zaman’ explores Emirati wisdom through proverbs.

Sharjah24: "The podcast Daftar Al Zaman: The Wisdom and Proverbs of the People of the UAE" delves into the lessons and insights embedded in Emirati proverbs, passed down through generations.

Presented by Sharjah 24 over eight episodes, the series features Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Naqbi, an Emirati heritage researcher. The first episode explores several proverbs, including ” (I am your drum and your flute, but in defeat, I flee before you) and "He who is bitten by a serpent fears the rope.".

Proverbs as a reflection of society

Proverbs serve as a mirror of a society’s culture and mindset. Short yet profound, they capture the essence of experiences, often with a humorous touch. They are deeply connected to the environment, blending universality with local linguistic and cultural nuances.

Dr Al Naqbi explains that the podcast will explore various Emirati proverbs, explaining their meanings through real-life examples from both the past and present to highlight their wisdom and significance.

The wisdom of Sheikh Zayed

Highlighting the connection between the past and the present, Dr Al Naqbi cites the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: "He who has no past has no present or future." This philosophy underlines the importance of learning from history and embracing cultural wisdom.

Highlighted proverbs and their meanings

The podcast discusses several traditional Emirati proverbs. "Throw me into the valley, but do not burn my heart" is a call for maintaining friendships and preserving emotional bonds. He who is bitten by a serpent fears the rope" is a metaphor for someone who becomes overly cautious after experiencing harm. "If you want him to be convinced, let him experience it" serves as a reminder that personal experience is the best teacher. The statement, "If one does not accept the staff of Moses, they will submit to the rod of Pharaoh," implies that those who reject gentle persuasion may ultimately face force.

The enduring value of proverbs

Dr Al Naqbi also shares proverbs from his book, "Emirates Proverbs," which emphasises that Emirati proverbs embody the uniqueness of a nation's cultural heritage. These sayings continue to play a vital role in shaping social values, guiding individuals, and preserving the wisdom of the past for future generations.