«اِلشِّيخِ الْبِعِيدْ مَقْطُوعْ نَدْرُهْ»

People direct their devotion and offerings to whoever is close at hand. Here the sheikh is a saint who receives vows, not merely an old man or a leader. A saint whose shrine lies far away is gradually forgotten, and the vows once promised to him stop coming. Distance quietly ends the flow of attention and gifts.

More broadly, the saying observes that being absent costs a person the regard and material support of others. Those who are not seen tend to be passed over in favor of those nearby, however worthy the distant one may be. It resembles 'out of sight, out of mind' but stresses withdrawn support, not only fading affection.

Fits remarks about someone who has lost gifts, loyalty, or support because they are absent or out of reach, while nearer, more visible figures get the attention. It can comment ruefully on neglect or warn that staying present keeps people's commitment alive.