Meaning
Treated equally, without discrimination or preference.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Musawah' is a pillar of modern social discourse, often used to bridge traditional values with international human rights standards. In Egyptian media, this phrase is frequently used in talk shows to discuss the 'rights of the citizen' (huquq al-muwatin). Often used in the context of sectarian balance, emphasizing that all religious groups should stand on an equal footing in the political system. Used in business and economic vision statements (like Saudi Vision 2030) to describe creating a competitive environment for local and international companies.
Use it in Writing
This phrase is a 'cheat code' for making your Arabic essays sound professional and academic.
Don't Pluralize
Never say 'على أقدام'. The idiom is fixed in the singular 'foot'.
Meaning
Treated equally, without discrimination or preference.
Use it in Writing
This phrase is a 'cheat code' for making your Arabic essays sound professional and academic.
Don't Pluralize
Never say 'على أقدام'. The idiom is fixed in the singular 'foot'.
Dignity Matters
Using this phrase shows you understand the importance of fairness and dignity in Arab culture.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and words.
يجب أن يتعامل المدير مع الموظفين ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom always starts with the preposition 'على'.
Which sentence is the most formal way to say 'We are equal'?
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
This idiom is the standard formal expression for equality in status or rights.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English equivalent.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
While others are related, 'footing' specifically matches 'Qadam'.
What would a lawyer say to a client about the court?
المحامي: 'لا تقلق، أنت والخصم أمام القاضي...'
In a legal context, the lawyer is reassuring the client about fairness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Equality vs. Proximity
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيجب أن يتعامل المدير مع الموظفين ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom always starts with the preposition 'على'.
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
This idiom is the standard formal expression for equality in status or rights.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While others are related, 'footing' specifically matches 'Qadam'.
المحامي: 'لا تقلق، أنت والخصم أمام القاضي...'
In a legal context, the lawyer is reassuring the client about fairness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. It's for people, groups, or abstract concepts like rights. For objects, use 'متماثل' (identical) or 'متساوي' (equal in size).
Yes, it's mostly Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). In dialects, people use simpler words, though they will understand this phrase perfectly.
The root is S-W-Y (س-و-ي), which relates to being level or straight.
It is always 'Ala' (على).
Absolutely. It's a very professional way to discuss fairness and company culture.
No, that's 'Janban ila Janb'. This means 'equal in status'.
You can say 'ليسوا على قدم المساواة'.
The specific idiom is modern, but the root 'Sawa' is used frequently in the Quran to mean 'equal' or 'level'.
Yes, to describe a fair match where both teams have an equal chance.
It's introduced at A2 but mastered at B2/C1.
Related Phrases
على حد سواء
similarEqually / Alike
جنباً إلى جنب
similarSide by side
سواسية
synonymEqual
تكافؤ الفرص
builds onEqual opportunity
بشكل متساوٍ
similarIn an equal manner
