اتق شر من أحسنت إليه
ittaqi sharra man ahsanta ilayhi
Beware the evil of whom you did good to
Meaning
Warns that kindness can sometimes be met with ingratitude or harm.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this proverb is often used with a heavy sigh of resignation. It reflects a long history of complex social ties where favors are expected but often lead to jealousy. Egyptians might follow this proverb with 'الخير يعمل والشر يلقى' (Good is done, and evil is found), emphasizing the irony of the outcome. In the Gulf, the concept of 'Faza'a' (rushing to help) is huge. This proverb serves as a sobering reminder that not everyone deserves a 'Faza'a'. In North Africa, the phrase is used to teach young people to be discerning about who they trust with their secrets or money.
The 'Sigh' Factor
To sound like a native, say this phrase with a slight shake of the head and a sigh. It's as much about the emotion as the words.
Don't be a Grinch
Don't use this to justify never helping anyone. It's a warning to be careful, not a rule to be selfish.
Meaning
Warns that kindness can sometimes be met with ingratitude or harm.
The 'Sigh' Factor
To sound like a native, say this phrase with a slight shake of the head and a sigh. It's as much about the emotion as the words.
Don't be a Grinch
Don't use this to justify never helping anyone. It's a warning to be careful, not a rule to be selfish.
The Quranic Contrast
Be aware that this proverb is the 'street wisdom' that contrasts with the religious ideal of 'rewarding good with good.'
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
اتقِ ___ من أحسنت إليه.
The proverb warns against the 'evil' (shar) of the person you helped.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A friend helps another friend find a job, and then the second friend tells lies about the first friend to the boss.
This situation involves ingratitude and betrayal after a favor.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: ساعدت جاري في تصليح سيارته، والآن يرفض مساعدتي في نقل الأثاث! سارة: لا تعجب يا أحمد، فالمثل يقول: ________.
Sarah is using the proverb to explain the neighbor's ungrateful behavior.
Match the word to its role in the proverb.
1. اتقِ | 2. شر | 3. من | 4. أحسنت
This tests your understanding of the grammatical structure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاتقِ ___ من أحسنت إليه.
The proverb warns against the 'evil' (shar) of the person you helped.
A friend helps another friend find a job, and then the second friend tells lies about the first friend to the boss.
This situation involves ingratitude and betrayal after a favor.
أحمد: ساعدت جاري في تصليح سيارته، والآن يرفض مساعدتي في نقل الأثاث! سارة: لا تعجب يا أحمد، فالمثل يقول: ________.
Sarah is using the proverb to explain the neighbor's ungrateful behavior.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This tests your understanding of the grammatical structure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a traditional proverb, not a Quranic verse. In fact, the Quran emphasizes that the reward for goodness is goodness.
Yes, but you would change 'Ahsanta' to 'Ahsanti' and 'Ilayh' to 'Ilayha'. However, the proverb is usually kept in its masculine 'canonical' form as a general rule.
It's a bit too informal and cynical for a direct meeting with a client, but perfect for a private chat with a trusted colleague about a difficult situation.
A common opposite sentiment is 'من قدم السبت يلقى الأحد' (He who gives Saturday finds Sunday), meaning good deeds are returned.
Because it's an imperative verb ending in a weak letter, which must be deleted in the Jussive/Imperative mood.
Sadly, yes. It is very frequently used in family disputes involving money or inheritance.
Yes, many Arabic songs about betrayal and 'Dunya' (the world) use this or similar sentiments.
The vocabulary is simple enough for A1, but the cultural depth and grammar are more intermediate. It's a great 'stretch' phrase for beginners.
Related Phrases
جزاء سنمار
similarThe reward of Sinimmar (betrayal of a benefactor).
نكران الجميل
specialized formDenial of the favor/Ingratitude.
اليد التي تمتد لك
builds onThe hand that reaches out to you.
خير تعمل شر تلقى
synonymDo good, find evil.
هل جزاء الإحسان إلا الإحسان
contrastIs the reward for goodness anything but goodness?
