الوحدة خير من جليس السوء
alohd khyr mn glys alsoaa
Solitude is better than a bad companion
Meaning
It is better to be alone than to associate with bad company that might lead one astray.
Cultural Background
The 'Majlis' (sitting place) is the heart of social life. This proverb serves as a moral filter for who is allowed into one's inner circle. The proverb is often cited in Friday sermons (Khutbah) to emphasize the importance of 'Suhba Salihah' (righteous companionship). In these cultures, social ties are very tight. Using this proverb can be a strong way to signal a serious break with a social group. The concept of 'Khuwi' (brother/companion) is sacred. This proverb warns that a bad 'Khuwi' is worse than having none at all.
Use it as a Shield
Use this proverb when you want to decline an invitation without sounding like you are attacking the person inviting you.
Don't Overuse
If you say this too often, people might think you are arrogant or judgmental.
Meaning
It is better to be alone than to associate with bad company that might lead one astray.
Use it as a Shield
Use this proverb when you want to decline an invitation without sounding like you are attacking the person inviting you.
Don't Overuse
If you say this too often, people might think you are arrogant or judgmental.
The Majlis Connection
Remember that 'Jalis' implies a shared space. It's about who you share your time and energy with.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
الوحدة خير من جليس _______.
The proverb specifically warns against 'Al-Su'' (evil/badness).
Which of the following best describes the meaning of the proverb?
ما معنى 'الوحدة خير من جليس السوء'؟
The proverb is a comparison favoring solitude over bad company.
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
أحمد: لماذا تركت مجموعة أصدقائك القدامى؟ سارة: لأنهم كانوا يشجعونني على الكذب، و_______.
Sarah is justifying leaving a bad group, which is the perfect context for this proverb.
Match the situation to the proverb.
أي موقف يناسبه هذا المثل؟
Avoiding bullies (bad company) is the core of the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Solitude vs. Bad Company
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالوحدة خير من جليس _______.
The proverb specifically warns against 'Al-Su'' (evil/badness).
ما معنى 'الوحدة خير من جليس السوء'؟
The proverb is a comparison favoring solitude over bad company.
أحمد: لماذا تركت مجموعة أصدقائك القدامى؟ سارة: لأنهم كانوا يشجعونني على الكذب، و_______.
Sarah is justifying leaving a bad group, which is the perfect context for this proverb.
أي موقف يناسبه هذا المثل؟
Avoiding bullies (bad company) is the core of the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt has religious origins in the Hadith, but today it is used by everyone as a general piece of wisdom.
Grammatically yes, but it won't sound like the famous proverb. It's better to stick to 'Khayr'.
No, it is grammatically masculine but applies to both men and women in this context.
The opposite is 'الجليس الصالح خير من الوحدة' (A good companion is better than solitude).
Only if the email is very personal or philosophical. It's usually too formal/poetic for standard business communication.
Yes, but in this context, it can also mean 'bad influence' or 'toxic'.
It's a sharp stop of the breath, like the middle of 'uh-oh'.
The Fusha version is understood everywhere, but dialects have their own versions like 'قعدة لحالك'.
Be careful! Calling a family member 'Jalis Su'' is a very heavy insult.
The proverb usually uses the definite article 'Al-Wahda'.
Related Phrases
الصاحب ساحب
similarThe companion is a dragger.
الجليس الصالح خير من الوحدة
contrastA good companion is better than solitude.
من جاور السعيد يسعد
similarHe who neighbors the happy becomes happy.
قل لي من تعاشر، أقل لك من أنت
similarTell me who you associate with, and I will tell you who you are.
