Maahmaah Soomaali
Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Somali proverbs
🌟 Proverb of the Day
Meaning: Food not in your hand and your mouth are far apart
Context: Don't depend on promises — only what you hold is truly yours
Meaning: A cleric disguised as righteous deceives like a snake blending with the ground
Context: False appearances deceive — beware of hypocrisy
Meaning: An arm deprived of milk doesn't grow green
Context: Neglect kills potential — nourishment is essential for growth
Meaning: War never ends — let the one nearest you come last
Context: Avoid spreading conflict — don't escalate fights
Meaning: Has anyone tried throwing a shield at war?
Context: Some actions are useless — choose wise strategies
Meaning: A war started by women and anger from a calf both cool slowly
Context: Emotional beginnings take time to settle — avoid impulsive conflicts
Meaning: A battle you entered leaves you fearful
Context: Experience leaves marks — hardship teaches caution
Meaning: Whether war or peace, both require balance
Context: Strength maintains both peace and defense
Meaning: War and drought are escaped with your own feet
Context: Self-reliance and movement bring safety — don't wait for rescue
Meaning: Weapons are made before war
Context: Preparation prevents disaster — plan ahead
Meaning: The night's crying dog felt something
Context: Every reaction has a cause — don't ignore warnings
Meaning: The howling has ended, but the one who ate still suffers
Context: After chaos, the guilty still bear the burden — actions have consequences
Meaning: The howling is over
Context: Trouble has passed — peace has returned
Meaning: Play often turns into seriousness
Context: Joking can become conflict — control your behavior
Meaning: Long life shows you camels giving birth
Context: With age comes experience — patience reveals all
Meaning: Jesus doesn't turn back on his journey; the snake doesn't return to patience
Context: Some natures don't change — habit defines character
Meaning: He who knows your shame has finished you
Context: One aware of your weakness can easily harm you — protect your secrets
Meaning: Loneliness has no helper
Context: People need others — no one thrives in isolation
Meaning: Many will give you things, few will give you advice
Context: True guidance is rare — material help is common, wisdom scarce
Meaning: When a donkey refuses its owner, a stranger rides it
Context: Neglect invites replacement — value what you have before others do