«حُمَارْ مِلْكْ وَلَا كْحِيلَهْ شِرْكْ»

The saying ranks undivided ownership above shared ownership, even when the thing owned alone is plainly inferior. A lowly donkey that belongs entirely to you is judged better than a splendid purebred mare you must hold jointly with others, because sole possession brings freedom of use and avoids disputes.

More broadly, it expresses a preference for modest independence over prestigious arrangements that involve partners, shared decisions, and potential conflict. Its point is sole versus shared ownership, not quality versus quantity in general: what is wholly yours can be used, kept, or disposed of as you choose, while a shared treasure remains subject to others' claims.

Suitable when someone weighs going into partnership on a valuable asset, business, or property against owning something modest outright. It works as homely advice favoring independence and undivided control, and may sound dismissive if aimed at a partner's offer.