«اِلشَّرْطْ عَنْدِ التَّقَاوِي يِرَيَّحْ عَنْدِ الْعُرْمَهْ»

The saying recommends fixing the terms of any joint undertaking at its very beginning, at the seed grain kept for sowing, while nothing has yet been gained. When each party knows its share and obligations before the seed goes into the ground, dividing the harvested heap on the threshing floor later becomes calm and simple.

Its deeper point is that frankness at the outset prevents conflict at the end. The promised reward is ease and trouble spared, not profit. A clear stipulation may seem awkward or mistrustful at first, but it spares everyone the bitterness, suspicion, and quarrels that arise once there is real wealth to divide.

Fits moments when partners, relatives, or co-workers are starting a shared venture and someone urges them to settle shares, duties, or payment openly before work begins. It also works afterward, as a rueful reminder when a quarrel breaks out over terms nobody set.