«فُؤَادِي وَلَا أَوْلَادِي»

The saying puts the speaker's own self, named through fu'ad, the heart as seat of the inner person rather than romantic feeling, ahead of the children. It voices the blunt view that when hardship forces a choice, a person looks after their own life and well-being first.

Because it openly ranks self-preservation above care for one's children, it can sound callous; it reads as a candid remark about human priorities in a crisis, or an ironic jab at someone who puts themselves first. The rhyme of fu'adi and awladi makes the stark ranking compact and memorable.

Fits moments when someone admits, wryly or bluntly, that their own survival or comfort comes before their offspring's, especially under pressure or danger. It suits frank or ironic commentary on selfishness, not sincere or approved guidance for how parents should behave.