Daftar Al Zaman: Folk proverbs convey life lessons

One of the highlighted proverbs, "I always gave, but today I need to accept," depicts shifting circumstances, emphasising how previously given people might find themselves in need. Similar proverbs occur in several societies, with changes in phrasing. Seafarers, for example, say, "I was once the captain of the ship, and today I am merely a passenger."

Lessons from age-old wisdom

Among the other proverbs mentioned in the show is "A stick that does not bend will break," which advises against being stubborn and refusing to adjust to reality. Another adage, "He who finds faults in others should first look to his own," cautions against condemning others while being faulty oneself.

Another famous adage, "A garment does not tear between a wise man and a fool," emphasises the value of logic and sound judgement, especially when resolving conflicts. Similarly, "He who pays his debts sleeps peacefully" emphasises the need for financial responsibility, since ancestors typically advise against collecting debt.

The show also delves into the saying, "Wealth may be lost, but a true friend remains," which emphasises that while money may be repaid via hard work, friendships should be treasured and protected. Furthermore, the adage "Only those who fear blame fight with others" implies that some individuals react preemptively in order to avoid being blamed themselves.

Another piece of advice, "A secret lasts only three days with someone who cannot keep it," cautions against disclosing sensitive information with untrustworthy people without first evaluating their discretion. Similarly, "A fresh fruit in your hand is better than a ripe one in someone else's hand," promotes satisfaction and appreciation for what one currently has rather than envying others.

Preserving a rich oral history

Dr Al-Naqbi closes the episode by underlining that each of these proverbs contains a useful lesson skilfully created by predecessors over many years of experience. He advocates for the continuous preservation of this oral history, which serves as an endless reservoir of wisdom for future generations.