The Meaning Behind the Proverb: 'If I Howled at You, I Would Not Howl'
The Arabic proverb 'If I howled, I would not have howled' carries a profound story rooted in the experiences of a man lost in a vast desert. This tale, shared in the 'Reflections' program on Al Jazeera 360, illustrates the feelings of loneliness and desperation faced by the protagonist. While wandering through the barren landscape during the night, he howled in hopes of attracting the attention of others, particularly to hear the barks of friendly dogs that might lead him to safety. To his surprise, a wolf responded instead, prompting the man to reflect on his actions with the phrase, 'If I had howled for you, I would not have howled.' This saying encapsulates the idea of seeking good but inadvertently encountering danger, highlighting the unpredictability of one's actions.
Insights into Greed: The Story of Ash’ab
The episode also delves into the character of Ash’ab, known for his insatiable greed. A humorous yet poignant account reveals Ash’ab’s perspective on life, where he constantly speculated about the wealth of the deceased at funerals or interpreted the actions of others as potential gifts to himself. His anecdotes, including a moment where he deceived children into thinking there was porridge being distributed by Salim bin Abdullah, underscore the extremes of his greed. A particularly striking exchange with his wife during dinner illustrates his dissatisfaction, as he remarked on the food's taste being better if it were just him and fate, rather than sharing it with anyone else. These stories serve as a reflection on human nature and the absurdities of greed, resonating with the proverb's theme of unintended consequences.
