«أَهْلِ الْمَيِّتْ نَامُوا وِالْمِعَزِّيِّين قَامُوا»

The saying reproaches outsiders who assume the appearance of grief more energetically than the deceased person’s own family. Their conspicuous mourning is presented as a display rather than an honest response to the loss.

It is said when people take over another party’s sorrow and act as if they bear it themselves. The image contrasts the family’s inaction with condolence-givers who theatrically occupy the place of mourners.

Use it to criticize people who ostentatiously perform concern over someone else’s misfortune, especially when they seem to claim a role that belongs to those directly affected.