وَمَهْمَا تَكُنْ عِنْدَ امْرِئٍ مِنْ خَلِيقَةٍ ۞ وَإِنْ خَالَهَا تَخْفَى عَلَى النَّاسِ تُعْلَمِ
Whatever trait a person possesses, even if he thinks it can remain hidden from others, it will eventually become known.
Khalīqah here means a settled trait or disposition. Mahmā introduces a comprehensive condition; wa-in khālahā adds the concession “even if he supposes it hidden.” The point is that repeated conduct reveals inward qualities over time, despite a person’s attempt to conceal them.
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Zuhayr ibn Abī Sulmā: Mortality, Generosity, Self-Respect and Wisdom of Speech (Verses 53–62)
وَمَهْمَا تَكُنْ عِنْدَ امْرِئٍ مِنْ خَلِيقَةٍ ۞ وَإِنْ خَالَهَا تَخْفَى عَلَى النَّاسِ تُعْلَمِ
Whatever trait a person possesses, even if he thinks it can remain hidden from others, it will eventually become known.
Khalīqah here means a settled trait or disposition. Mahmā introduces a comprehensive condition; wa-in khālahā adds the concession “even if he supposes it hidden.” The point is that repeated conduct reveals inward qualities over time, despite a person’s attempt to conceal them.