al-Amthal ( Arabic: أَمْثَال) is a literary term used to describe Arabic proverbs. [1] Ancient Arab scholars wrote books of compilations of proverbs, called "Kitab al-Amthal". [1] The most famous collection of medieval Arabic proverbs is Mjm’a Al’amthal by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Maydani. [1]
Proverbs | English Translation |
---|---|
اطلب من العلوم علماً ينفعك ينفي الأذى والعيب ثم يرفعك. | Ask the sciences for knowledge that will benefit you, negate harm and defect, and then elevate you. |
العلم يرفع بيتاً لا عماد له والجهل يهدم بيت العز والشرف. | Knowledge raises a house without pillars, and ignorance destroys the house of glory and honor. |
أعلمه الرماية كل يوم فلما اشتد ساعده رماني. | I taught him archery every day, and when he got good at it, he threw an arrow at me. |
تجري الرياح بما لا تشتهي السفن. | Winds blow counter to what ships desire. |
أرسل حكيماً ولا توصه. | Send a wise man and do not advise him. |
السكوت علامة الرضا. | Silence is the sign of approval. |
خير الكلام ما قل ودل. | Good brevity makes sense. |
هذا الشبل من ذاك الأسد. | This cub is from that lion. |
إذا قصرت يدك على المكافأة، فاطل لسانك بالشكر. | If you’re unable to reward, then make sure to thank. |
أرى كل إنسان يرى عيب غيره ويعمى عن العيب الذي هو فيه. | Everyone is critical of the flaws of others, but blind to their own. |
al-Amthal ( Arabic: أَمْثَال) is a literary term used to describe Arabic proverbs. [1] Ancient Arab scholars wrote books of compilations of proverbs, called "Kitab al-Amthal". [1] The most famous collection of medieval Arabic proverbs is Mjm’a Al’amthal by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Maydani. [1]
Proverbs | English Translation |
---|---|
اطلب من العلوم علماً ينفعك ينفي الأذى والعيب ثم يرفعك. | Ask the sciences for knowledge that will benefit you, negate harm and defect, and then elevate you. |
العلم يرفع بيتاً لا عماد له والجهل يهدم بيت العز والشرف. | Knowledge raises a house without pillars, and ignorance destroys the house of glory and honor. |
أعلمه الرماية كل يوم فلما اشتد ساعده رماني. | I taught him archery every day, and when he got good at it, he threw an arrow at me. |
تجري الرياح بما لا تشتهي السفن. | Winds blow counter to what ships desire. |
أرسل حكيماً ولا توصه. | Send a wise man and do not advise him. |
السكوت علامة الرضا. | Silence is the sign of approval. |
خير الكلام ما قل ودل. | Good brevity makes sense. |
هذا الشبل من ذاك الأسد. | This cub is from that lion. |
إذا قصرت يدك على المكافأة، فاطل لسانك بالشكر. | If you’re unable to reward, then make sure to thank. |
أرى كل إنسان يرى عيب غيره ويعمى عن العيب الذي هو فيه. | Everyone is critical of the flaws of others, but blind to their own. |