«مَا شَاتْمَكْ إِلَّا مْبَلَّغَكْ»

The saying moves the blame for a hurtful remark from whoever first said it to whoever chose to carry it. Words spoken out of earshot cannot wound; only the person who repeats them makes the insult reach its target, so the messenger becomes the true offender.

In practice it works as a rebuke of gossip and talebearing. It warns listeners to distrust people who rush to report what others said about them, and it discourages spreading damaging talk while claiming to be merely an honest informant. Its target is the talebearer; it does not excuse every insult or dismiss criticism in general.

Use it when someone eagerly reports another person's insulting remarks to you, to suggest that the reporter, by passing the words along, is the real source of your hurt and deserves the reproach.