The Story Behind the Arabic Proverb: “لو كان فيه خير ما رماه الطير” (If It Were Any Good, the Birds Wouldn’t Have Thrown It Away)
Proverbs are the heartbeat of a culture, carrying the wisdom of generations in just a few words. One such powerful Arabic saying is “لو كان فيه خير ما رماه الطير”, which translates to “If it were any good, the birds wouldn’t have thrown it away.” This phrase, deeply rooted in Arab traditions, is often used to dismiss something or someone that has been abandoned or discarded by others.
But where did this proverb come from, and how is it used today? Let’s dive into the story behind this old saying and explore its cultural significance.
Origins: The Desert’s Wisdom
Like many Arabic proverbs, “لو كان فيه خير ما رماه الطير” comes from the simple yet profound observations of nature. In the vast deserts of the Arab world, scavenger birds like crows, hawks, and vultures often drop food or objects that are either spoiled, inedible, or worthless to them. Over time, people began associating discarded items with lack of value—after all, if something were truly useful, even the birds would have held onto it.
This practical understanding of nature and survival evolved into a metaphor for life: things or people that have been discarded by others are usually not worth picking up again.
How This Proverb is Used
This saying can be applied in many everyday situations, from rejecting unwanted objects to making social or business decisions. Here are some common ways Arabs use it today:
1. Rejecting Something Unwanted
Imagine someone offers you an old, worn-out phone or a broken appliance. You might respond with:
“لو كان فيه خير ما رماه الطير!”
(If it were any good, it wouldn’t have been thrown away!)
2. Talking About a Person Who Was Rejected
When someone is fired from a job, abandoned by a partner, or left out of a group, this proverb is sometimes used to justify the decision:
“لو كان شخصاً جيداً لما تركوه!”
(If he were a good person, they wouldn’t have let him go!)
3. Warning Someone About a Too-Good-to-Be-True Opportunity
If a friend is excited about a “once-in-a-lifetime” business deal that seems suspicious, you might warn them:
“لو كان فيه خير، كان غيرك سبَقَك إليه!”
(If it were that great, someone else would have taken it before you!)
Is Everything Abandoned Truly Worthless?
While this proverb is widely used, it’s also worth considering a different perspective. Just because something (or someone) has been abandoned doesn’t always mean it has no value. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and sometimes, what is discarded by one can be revived, restored, or reimagined by another.
Think about second-hand shopping, recycling, or even relationships—many things that were once thrown away can find a new life in a different context. So while this proverb is a useful caution, it’s also worth keeping an open mind.
Modern Uses and Social Media Fun
This proverb has found its way into modern Arabic culture in humorous and sarcastic ways. It’s often used jokingly in memes, tweets, and even in everyday banter. Imagine a situation where someone tries to revive an old relationship, and their friend responds:
“أخوي، لو كانت تستاهل، ما رماها الطير!”
(Brother, if she were worth it, she wouldn’t have been thrown away! )
Or in a business setting, where someone is trying to sell outdated inventory:
“يا زلمة، لو كان فيه خير، ما ظلّ عندك كل هالفترة!”
(Man, if it were any good, it wouldn’t have been stuck with you all this time!)
This mix of humor and wisdom makes the proverb one of the most relatable and widely used sayings in Arab culture.
A Proverb for the Ages
“لو كان فيه خير ما رماه الطير” is a timeless piece of wisdom that continues to be relevant in business, relationships, and daily life. It reminds us to be cautious about picking up what others have discarded—but also to think critically about whether something truly has no value or if it simply needs a second chance.
Would you wear this proverb on a funny T-shirt? Let me know in the comments!