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The second episode focuses on a selection of proverbs, including "Bo Lisan Adem Ihsan," "Damlaj Yakhtab Wa La Yamlaj," and "Zaid Al Harmouz Malh."
Proverbs are the result of experiences passed down through generations, shaped by life’s struggles and philosophical reflections. As Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Naqbi, a researcher in Emirati heritage, explains, proverbs serve as an ongoing extension of language, concepts, and perceptions. Throughout the podcast, he aims to convey this rich heritage and explain its meanings in a simple manner. He begins with a proverb: "By rubbing the haboul fur in the winter." The haboul is the rope used for climbing palm trees, and this proverb means, "I will throw you and abandon you," similar to how the haboul, or the fruits of the palm tree, are discarded in winter when they are only useful in summer.
Al Naqbi advises, “I urge you not to criticise others for their faults, for they may turn against you with hostility, even if you are their friend. Constant criticism only invites more criticism.” This proverb teaches the importance of avoiding the criticism of others and staying out of their affairs. Those who engage in this behaviour, even with good intentions, are not exempt from receiving hostility or criticism in return, even from close friends. He then shares another social proverb: “He who has a tongue without kindness,” which implies that a person who speaks frequently about their kindness to others often does not truly understand kindness. Their words and chatter diminish the good they claim to offer.
The "Daftar Al Zaman" podcast continues to share life proverbs, starting with one that says: “Learn every skill and leave it, for the goodness of time will make you need it.” This proverb encourages learning any useful craft or trade, even if it’s not immediately necessary, as there may come a time when you’ll find it valuable. Another proverb shared is: “You put it in the thaban and it stings you with the tongue.” The thaban refers to the fold of a garment used to carry something. This proverb speaks to the person you help or honour, who may later cause you harm or hurt you with their words.
He continues with another proverb related to commercial transactions: “If you don’t have money to buy from me, go and don’t come back, and don’t give me a headache with useless requests.” Transitioning from trade to the sea, the proverb says, “A house with a broken heart is better than traveling by sea.” The Bengal refers to a type of ship sailors used to travel on. This proverb suggests that a person should be content with a small profit at home with family, rather than enduring the hardships and troubles of traveling by sea.
Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Naqbi shares a selection of other proverbs, including “Janha Umm Al Hailan.” Al Hailan is a fictional name referring to a woman or girl who speaks of events that never took place, giving the impression that she is older than her actual age. She narrates and spreads stories as though she were an experienced, worldly elder, and is thus called Umm Al Hailan.
Another proverb says: "Take from the onion what you have, and take from the small amount of the worm, and eat from the garlic what you want." The "worm" refers to the sticks of paper, and the proverb means to consume the little radish, take from the onions what you have, and eat as much garlic as you can because it is useful. This serves as an invitation to take from something only according to its benefit. He adds another proverb: “If a woman has no daughter, she dies and her illness is stupid.” "Stupid" means hidden or concealed. This proverb is said about a mother who has not been blessed with a daughter. When she falls ill and is exhausted, she finds no one beside her to comfort or help her.
Another proverb he shares is: “Damlaj proposes but does not get engaged.” Damlaj is a fictional character, and "getting engaged" means the marriage contract is concluded. This proverb refers to someone who begins something important but fails to complete it, much like someone who gets engaged for a long time without finalizing the marriage contract.
The podcast continues to present local Emirati proverbs, including the saying: "Dardamees does not know Friday from Thursday." The term "Dardamees" refers to a person who is so caught up in the speed and movement of life that they no longer distinguish one day from another. This proverb highlights how the rapid pace of life can blur the lines between time, causing a person to lose track of the days and feel disconnected from their passage. The proverb also touches on "its smell," which refers to its absence, meaning that a person may get what they desire, but it does not bring satisfaction. In such cases, they might express that having it, even if unsatisfactory, is better than not having it at all.
Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Naqbi, a researcher in Emirati heritage, concludes his talk with a proverb related to palm trees and dates: “The Fardh has become cheap and its price is low.” Fardh refers to a type of date, and the proverb means that when the value of the Fardh decreases, it is sold cheaply and on credit instead of for cash. This saying is used to describe a shift in how a person treats you, implying that you are now seen as having little value. Finally, the proverb “Zaid Al Harmooz is salt” refers to a large piece of salt, symbolizing a person who behaves in a way that worsens situations. It’s like adding salt to salt, making things worse. Dr Al Naqbi pointed out that this episode was a journey through the words of our ancestors, with deep meanings that transcend time and continue to inspire, no matter how much time passes.
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