LessonsThe Dimyāṭī Maqāmah: Abū Ḥabīb’s Poetic ReplyQuiz

«وَلَمْ أُخْسِرْهُ وَشَرُّ الْوَرَى / مَنْ يَوْمُهُ أَخْسَرُ مِنْ أَمْسِهِ»
I did not shortchange him; the worst of people is one whose today is worse than yesterday.

Ukhsirhu concerns causing another a loss or deficiency; akhsar is a comparative meaning “more at a loss.” Related forms of the same root create distinct nuances.

The first half qualifies the earlier reciprocity: the speaker denies initiating dishonesty. The second half broadens the focus by comparing a person's moral condition today with that of yesterday.

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He refuses to be the one who cheats

The Dimyāṭī Maqāmah: Abū Ḥabīb’s Poetic Reply

«وَلَمْ أُخْسِرْهُ وَشَرُّ الْوَرَى / مَنْ يَوْمُهُ أَخْسَرُ مِنْ أَمْسِهِ»
I did not shortchange him; the worst of people is one whose today is worse than yesterday.

Ukhsirhu concerns causing another a loss or deficiency; akhsar is a comparative meaning “more at a loss.” Related forms of the same root create distinct nuances.

The first half qualifies the earlier reciprocity: the speaker denies initiating dishonesty. The second half broadens the focus by comparing a person's moral condition today with that of yesterday.