By Aney MathewProverbs are all encompassing; they have an uncanny way of relating to the realities of life, while offering us an insight into the enigma that exists between ‘mere existence’ and ‘living successfully’. Every country has proverbs unique to its ethos, often revealing quite significantly the outlook, culture and beliefs of that region. As a matter of fact an old Arab adage says, ‘to understand a group of people, acquaint yourself with their proverbs’. While most of us expatriates have been in Qatar for a while, do we really know much about our host country, apart from the superficial facts and customs? Community shares with our readers today, some of the local maxims and sayings — Eumthal Shaabiyah. These have been gathered through several informal discussions with Qatari and Arab friends and colleagues. This is not a scholarly study but a casual look at interesting proverbs, which are in common use, thus employing a unique way of looking at the culture. The Arabic proverbs are transliterated and then translated for the benefit of our readers.Some proverbs may seem distinct, while others reflect ideologies and philosophies prevalent in most cultures; in any case it offers an interesting glimpse of the Arab life.So here we go:Atal Khabaz Khobza Hatta Lao Akal Nessoh — Give the bread to its baker, even if he eats half of it. Assign the job to the person most suited to carry it out, even if his charges are higher — referred to in this case, as the baker eating a portion of your loaf. If you try to cut corners and save by hiring an inexperienced person, you could end up with a defective or imperfect product, losing more money in the process. The right person for the right job will get it right the first time and this will work out better in the long run.‘Elly Ma Yeraf El Saker Yeshwee — He who doesn’t know the falcon grills it. There is an interesting story that illustrates this proverb: an expensive falcon once flew into the kitchen of an old woman. Not knowing the value of this highly prized and much-sought-after bird, she chopped off its beak and claws and cooked it along with her chicken!!Falconry as we are well aware is quite a passion in the region; it is considered an art, requiring long hours, constant devotion, finesse, subtlety and skill. A well-trained falcon is therefore a highly-prized possession and is looked after with utmost care. However, in the hands of an ignorant person, it is at risk of being grilled and reduced to a meal — like a regular chicken. As the proverb rightly points out, if we have a priceless possession that we do not know the value of, we will end up mishandling it, whether it’s a person, an object or a situation. Al Tool Tool Inakhlah Wul Akel Akle Iskhala — As tall as a palm tree, with a brain as small as a baby goat. The date palm has long been one of the most important fruit crops in the arid region of the Arab peninsula, offering an income source and staple food for the local populace. The palm has always played a significant role in the economy, society and environment of these countries. Hence to ‘look to the date palm with expectation’ is culturally significant as it has been often said, ‘without dates no large human population could have been supported in the desert regions’. A person could be tall and strong appearing as impressive as a palm tree, but when you run to him for assistance (considering him very capable because of his outward physical appearance), he turns out to be of no support, because his brain is as effective as that of a baby goat. Experience is crucial in making important decisions and judgements; never take things at face value, especially the outward appearance of people.El Oudh Yanbat Fee Makano Oudh — In the place of one shoot grows another. The ‘oudh’ which comes from the wood of the tropical Agar tree, is highly valued by perfumers for its sweet, woody, aromatic and complex scent. Reputed as the most expensive wood in the world, it has always held a special place in Arab tradition as it is regularly used in the making of perfumes, as well as high quality incense.The wisdom-text plainly points out that even if you were to chop off a healthy and fragrant shoot of an ‘Oudh’ tree, another one will grow in its place. Simply put, goodness and greatness can never be completely wiped out; these values will continue to be passed on from one generation to another, whether from father to son or teacher to pupil. This maxim is generally used in appreciation of something a person has done, which reflects the noble tradition of his ancestors. Al Naar Matt Warith Ella Ramad — The fire has only left the ash behind.Fire when used sensibly has always been man’s friend. As we know, the life of the ancient cave-man changed when he discovered how to light a fire — providing light in the dark, helping him keep warm during cold nights, paving the way to cook food etc. However, despite the many uses, the ash left behind by a fire is normally considered useless. Contrary to the previous saying, this maxim is used when children do not follow in the illustrious steps of their forefathers. For instance, a father could be a man famed for his wisdom and goodness, being one highly respected in society. But if the children do not heed the father’s instructions and turn out to be foolish and immoral instead, they will not only lose their standing in public but could end up being a burden to society. It is thus equivalent to the fire (a father who was feared and respected) leaving behind an unworthy legacy — useless ash (the wayward son). Kol Rass We fee Etass — Every head has a sneeze.Even if it emanates from the head of an insignificant person, when a man sneezes, he makes his presence felt. This saying humorously suggests that every individual has something unique to contribute to society. There is something of incredible value in each individual and when we use this for the larger good and benefit of society, their contribution will be noticed, even if the person is otherwise considered unimportant or insignificant.Mithel Elle Edower Jamel Ammtah Inlegah Ghana Wa In Maligah Ghana — It’s like a servant looking for his master’s camel; he’ll sing if he finds it and he’ll sing if he doesn’t find it.Tradition has it, that there was a lady who would send her servant out to look for her lost camels. The hired hand always came back singing — regardless of whether he found the camel or not, as he couldn’t care less — pointing to his apathy. This adage comes against a selfish attitude, especially with regards to responsibility at work or in handling other people’s property and possessions. Self-centred people are only concerned about themselves and are not conscientious about their duties or their accountability to society.Med Lehafak Ala Qad Rejleik — Make sure your bedcover is only as long as your feet.It’s important that your bed cover is of the right length. If it is too short you will end up feeling cold, while an unduly long one leaves you uncomfortable. This proverb exhorts people to spend within their means and to limit their budget according to their income. While it is important to spend on necessities, it would be foolish to spend on expensive things just to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. Etha Kan Habibak Assal La Telhasou Kollo — If your friend is honey, don’t (abuse his trust).Don’t take advantage of a generous and helpful friend to the extent of ‘milking him dry’, lest he gets fed up with you. Take heed not to misuse the kindness of friends and well-wishers to the extent of ruining the relationship.Amal Min Al Habbah Gubba — He made a dome from a seed.Akin to the common English proverb, ‘to make a mountain out of a molehill, this adage refers to the uncanny ability of some people to exaggerate situations and conditions. It must be said though, that in our times when exaggeration is done with a flair, it is called ‘artistic license’.Kab al gahwa khayr — Spilling coffee is a good omen. This implies good luck follows fast on the heels of bad luck, or a situation that could be considered a disaster. While coffee time is associated with socialising in many cultures, it holds its own in the Arabic world. It is such an integral part of the Middle Eastern culture, that no important occasion or traditional hospitality is complete without a cup (or three) of the aromatic, Arabic coffee or the gahwa. As an Arab friend once remarked, “The gahwa marks every memorable moment of our lives. Wars have been planned over the gahwa and wars have ended over cups of it. Heroism and hospitality have long been associated with Arabic coffee.”Spilling coffee would therefore not be a good omen; but this proverb proffers encouragement to the person unfortunate enough to spatter the much-favoured drink, thus offering a word of hope in disastrous or embarrassing situations.Keeping with the folkloric wisdom of the past, we conclude with a typical Arabic saying, ‘If the wind blows, ride it’.