Maahmaah Soomaali
Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Somali proverbs
🌟 Proverb of the Day
Meaning: When he comes, he brings news; when he leaves, he takes news
Context: Gossipers spread in all directions — guard your words around them
Meaning: As you break, so you're bandaged
Context: Help matches your wound — consequences fit actions
Meaning: Deceive me once, God curse you; deceive me twice, I blame myself
Context: Learn from betrayal — wisdom comes after the first mistake
Meaning: A muddy reed is peeled one at a time
Context: Problems are solved step by step — patience removes difficulty
Meaning: It doesn't swing, so what does it lick?
Context: Used to mock laziness — if you don't act, you gain nothing
Meaning: Will you share with the ignorant or drink the sea?
Context: Don't rely on fools — ignorance gives no benefit
Meaning: She who doesn't wait gets no dowry
Context: Patience brings reward — haste ruins opportunity
Meaning: Will you jump at once or move inch by inch?
Context: Asking whether to act boldly or gradually — strategy depends on courage
Meaning: Will you choose what benefits you but harms your son, or what harms you but helps him?
Context: A test of selflessness — good parents sacrifice for their children
Meaning: I don't remember, and I don't bury myself
Context: Forgetfulness excuses fault — humor about human imperfection
Meaning: By day speak only to whom your eye reaches; by night only to whom your hand reaches
Context: Act within your limits — caution ensures safety
Meaning: By day elders gather, by night women gather
Context: Every group has its own time and space — respect boundaries
Meaning: Today I wash my hands, let others tend the camels
Context: A declaration of rest or withdrawal — knowing when to stop
Meaning: One can't endure a visible head wound or a drawn knife
Context: Obvious danger demands response — don't ignore threats
Meaning: When benefit is given, one doesn't remain poor
Context: Sharing wealth uplifts all — generosity enriches
Meaning: The one who flies with purpose succeeds; the one who flies with envy fails
Context: Intentions decide outcomes — act from purpose, not jealousy
Meaning: Don't insult another's town while staying in yours
Context: Respect other communities — don't mock what you don't know
Meaning: You can't trust the mind of a head you don't own
Context: Don't depend on others' judgment — think for yourself
Meaning: The glutton eventually shows himself
Context: Greed reveals itself — hidden excess can't last
Meaning: Is it the pain of kinship, or the tightness beneath you that hurts?
Context: Distinguish between inner and outer causes — understand your true problem