Al-Amthal
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]
Examples[edit]
| 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. |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Willis, John Ralph (2014-06-03). Slaves and Slavery in Africa: Volume One: Islam and the Ideology of Enslavement. Routledge. pp. 93–95. ISBN 978-1-317-79214-7.