«اِلنَّاسْ مَقَامَاتْ»

The saying holds that people do not all occupy the same social rank. Here مقامات means standings, not musical modes, a prose genre, or shrines. Some are seen as carrying great worth or position, others little, and each is thought to deserve treatment fitting that standing.

In practice it works as a reproach. When a person of eminence is belittled or handled carelessly, the speaker invokes it to protest that such a figure deserves more regard and should not be lumped together with people considered of lesser standing.

Recorded as said when someone of real standing has been slighted or handled like anyone else, to rebuke that treatment. It defends the person's dignity, but its premise that rank merits different treatment may sound elitist or dismissive today.