«عَمَلَكْ عَمَّالَكْ»

A person's fortunes are shaped by their own conduct. Whatever comes back to someone, pleasant or painful, is presented as the product of what they themselves have done, so responsibility for one's lot rests with one's actions rather than with luck or other people.

The Arabic draws its force from two words built on the same root for doing and working: the first names the deed, the second an intensive form for one who keeps working. The deed is pictured as an agent laboring for or against its owner; the point is moral cause and effect, not paid labor.

Suited to moments when someone meets the consequences of their own conduct, whether a reward earned through effort and kindness or trouble brought on by carelessness or wrongdoing. It can console, reprove, or simply observe that a person's situation reflects their choices.