«اِلْغَايِبْ حُجِّتُهْ مَعُهْ»

The proverb asks listeners to suspend judgment about anyone who is not present, whatever their gender. The missing person may have an explanation or justification, a reasoned case of their own, that remains unheard because they are not there to give it. Condemning them now would mean deciding with only one side speaking.

More broadly, the expression works as a gentle rebuke against gossip and hasty blame. It defends a fair hearing rather than declaring the absent person innocent: everyone deserves a chance to account for themselves before others reach a verdict. Silence caused by absence should not be mistaken for an admission of fault.

Say it when people start criticizing, blaming, or drawing conclusions about someone who is not there to answer. It reminds them to hold back until that person can explain, and it suits defending a friend, colleague, or relative whose conduct is being questioned in their absence.