اطلب العلم من المهد إلى اللحد
utlub al-'ilm min al-mahd ila al-lahd
Seek knowledge from cradle to grave
Significado
Emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and pursuit of education.
Contexto cultural
Seeking knowledge is considered a 'Faridah' (religious duty). This proverb is often taught to children as one of their first pieces of wisdom. Egyptians often use this proverb in a slightly more rhythmic, local intonation to encourage students during the grueling 'Thanaweya Amma' (high school) exams. In the Levant, education is highly prized as a form of 'social capital.' This proverb is used to justify the high cost and effort put into private tutoring and university. There is a strong tradition of 'Madrasas' and 'Zawayas' where people of all ages study. This proverb is a living reality in these traditional learning circles.
Use it for Motivation
This is the best phrase to use when someone feels 'too old' for something. It is instantly recognized and highly respected.
Don't Change the Words
Because it's a 'frozen' proverb, changing 'Lahd' to 'Mawt' makes it sound like you don't know the culture well, even if the meaning is the same.
Significado
Emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and pursuit of education.
Use it for Motivation
This is the best phrase to use when someone feels 'too old' for something. It is instantly recognized and highly respected.
Don't Change the Words
Because it's a 'frozen' proverb, changing 'Lahd' to 'Mawt' makes it sound like you don't know the culture well, even if the meaning is the same.
Religious Sensitivity
While used in secular contexts today, remember its roots are spiritual. Use it with a tone of dignity.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
اطلب العلم من ____ إلى ____.
The correct words are 'Al-Mahd' (cradle) and 'Al-Lahd' (grave).
Which situation is most appropriate for this proverb?
When should you say 'اطلب العلم من المهد إلى اللحد'?
The proverb encourages lifelong learning, making it perfect for an elder starting a new educational journey.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the literal components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: أنا عمري 60 سنة، هل يمكنني تعلم البرمجة؟ خالد: طبعاً! كما يقول المثل: ________.
This proverb is the most relevant for encouraging someone to learn at an older age.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosاطلب العلم من ____ إلى ____.
The correct words are 'Al-Mahd' (cradle) and 'Al-Lahd' (grave).
When should you say 'اطلب العلم من المهد إلى اللحد'?
The proverb encourages lifelong learning, making it perfect for an elder starting a new educational journey.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the literal components of the proverb.
أحمد: أنا عمري 60 سنة، هل يمكنني تعلم البرمجة؟ خالد: طبعاً! كما يقول المثل: ________.
This proverb is the most relevant for encouraging someone to learn at an older age.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasNo, it is not in the Quran, but its meaning aligns with many Quranic verses about the importance of knowledge.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. It's better used when giving advice or talking about serious goals.
It means 'cradle'—the bed for a newborn baby.
'Utlub' is for one person, 'Utlubu' is for a group. Both are used.
Absolutely! It is one of the most common proverbs in the Arab world, used in schools, news, and social media.
Frases relacionadas
اطلبوا العلم ولو في الصين
similarSeek knowledge even if it is in China.
العلم نور
builds onKnowledge is light.
من جد وجد
similarHe who strives, finds.
العلم في الصغر كالننقش على الحجر
contrastLearning in youth is like engraving on stone.
