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Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«اِلْغُرَابِ الدَّافِنْ يُقُولِ النَّصِيبْ عَلَى اللهْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

It's the crow with food buried away that says our lot is in God's hands.

Literal wording

The burying crow says: the portion is upon God.

Meaning and lesson

The saying exposes the easy piety of those who are already provided for. A crow that has buried food away for later can afford to say its allotted share of livelihood rests with God, because its next meal is secured. Professed reliance on providence costs nothing when a private store backs it up.

The implied contrast is with the empty-handed, who cannot speak so serenely and must go out and struggle for their living. The proverb does not mock trust in God itself. It questions a calm show of unconcern about earning that actually rests on reserves already held back.

When it is used

Use it wryly about someone who preaches contentment, or tells others not to worry about money, while quietly relying on savings or a hidden supply. It suits pointed or teasing remarks, not consoling someone in real need.

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