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The fifth episode features a collection of proverbs, including A knife only cuts with the strength of its grip; courage is inherited, not acquired; he milks the ants and makes yoghurt.
Dr Mohammed Rashid Al Naqbi explains that the fifth episode of " Daftar Al Zaman: The Wisdom and Proverbs of the People of the UAE" continues to explore the proverbs that encapsulate the experiences of ancestors, reflecting the spirit of society and the human connection with their land and community. These proverbs, eloquently crafted as short stories, serve as keys to a deeper understanding of Emirati culture. Among the proverbs discussed is "I advised Mai," and Maida learnt it well. "Mai" represents the daughter of the wife, and "Maida" is the daughter of her husband. This proverb originates from an old tale about a motherless girl named Maida, who lived with her stepmother and her stepsister, Mai. The stepmother constantly advised Mai to grow into a responsible wife, but Mai paid no attention, whereas Maida listened and applied the advice. This proverb highlights that guidance is only valuable to those who seek it and are willing to act on it.
Another proverb explored is: A knife only cuts with the strength of its grip, meaning that a person’s strength and resilience come from their deep-rooted traditions and values. It encourages individuals to remain steadfast in their origins. Similarly, the proverb Do not trust the healthy, nor despair of the sick reminds us not to place too much reliance on a person in excellent health, as life is unpredictable, while also encouraging hope for those who are unwell, as circumstances can always change.
The episode also features the proverb: when prosperity increases, so do the visitors, where "prosperity" refers to wealth, and "visitors" to opportunists. This saying implies that as one's fortune rises, so too will the number of people seeking personal gain. Likewise, courage is inherited, not acquired, which suggests that bravery and honour are traits passed down through generations rather than qualities one can simply adopt.
Other sayings include: An onion starts green but ultimately withers, which speaks to individuals who become arrogant due to wealth or status but eventually succumb to their flaws, much like an onion’s leaves that grow strong but wilt over time. Similarly, the crooked tree’s fruit falls far from its base describes those who extend their generosity to distant strangers while neglecting those closest to them.
Dr Al Naqbi also shares the proverb: A poor man who finds wealth late in life still dies with a poor heart, which reflects how a person with a scarcity mindset remains unsatisfied no matter how much they acquire. Another proverb, "He eats a sum of man (4 kilos) and can break the strangest branch," refers to a person with outstanding physical strength who is capable of achieving impressive feats.
Another proverb, A useless shrub tells a fig tree to move aside, describing an insignificant person who oversteps their boundaries by trying to displace someone of greater value. hfj
Other sayings include One saying, "A smile for a smile, but the heart keeps resentment," suggests that an individual may greet others warmly, yet secretly harbour grudges. Another saying, "She has no bangles but desires the finest bracelets," refers to those who aspire to luxury beyond their means, resulting in unnecessary hardship.
The episode also discusses no generosity during Eid, no praise in celebrations, which means generosity during Eid is expected and not particularly praiseworthy, as everyone is generous during such times. Go where the wind blows refers to individuals who lack personal conviction and follow trends blindly.
Dr Al Naqbi concludes with: "Work, O Gazelle, but the monkey eats," symbolising how the efforts of one person may ultimately benefit another who has done nothing to deserve it. Another saying is, "He who seeks gossip finds trouble." He warns against meddling in affairs that may lead to one’s own distress.
The episode wraps up with No effort, no reward, means that those who do not work should not expect rewards, and if you seek generosity, go to its source, which teaches that true generosity comes from those with a natural inclination towards giving. Dr. Naqbi emphasises that these proverbs encapsulate the essence of Emirati heritage and will continue to serve as valuable moral lessons in contemporary society.
" Daftar Al Zaman " will return with another episode, offering more insights into the wisdom and expressions of the UAE’s ancestors.
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