في العجلة الندامة وفي التأني السلامة
fi al-'ajala al-nadama wa fi al-ta'anni al-salama
In haste there is regret, and in deliberation there is safety
Meaning
Rushing into things often leads to mistakes, while taking time ensures better outcomes.
Cultural Background
This proverb is often taught to children as one of their first pieces of 'wisdom' literature. It is found in almost every primary school textbook from Morocco to Iraq. In the Gulf, where road safety is a major public health focus, this proverb is the primary slogan for traffic police campaigns. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is sometimes used with a bit of 'Shami' wit to tell someone to 'chill out' or 'relax' (روق). Egyptians often use the first half 'Al-ajala min al-shaitan' (Haste is from the devil) in religious contexts, but use the full proverb for general life advice.
Rhyme Time
Memorize it as a poem. The rhythm helps you remember the word order.
Don't Overuse
If you say this every time someone moves quickly, you might sound annoying. Save it for when there's actual risk.
Meaning
Rushing into things often leads to mistakes, while taking time ensures better outcomes.
Rhyme Time
Memorize it as a poem. The rhythm helps you remember the word order.
Don't Overuse
If you say this every time someone moves quickly, you might sound annoying. Save it for when there's actual risk.
Road Signs
Look for this on highways in Arab countries; it's the most common proverb you'll see in public.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
في العجلة _______ وفي التأني _______
The proverb states that haste leads to regret (Nadama) and deliberation leads to safety (Salama).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'في التأني السلامة'?
أي موقف يناسب هذا المثل؟
Reviewing an exam calmly is an example of 'Ta'anni' (deliberation) which leads to success/safety.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
أحمد: سأقود بسرعة لنصل في خمس دقائق. خالد: لا يا أحمد، ________.
Khaled is warning Ahmed that rushing is dangerous and will lead to regret.
Match the word to its opposite in the context of the proverb.
صل الكلمة بضدها:
In this proverb, 'Ajala' (haste) is contrasted with 'Ta'anni' (deliberation).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Two Paths
Practice Bank
4 exercisesفي العجلة _______ وفي التأني _______
The proverb states that haste leads to regret (Nadama) and deliberation leads to safety (Salama).
أي موقف يناسب هذا المثل؟
Reviewing an exam calmly is an example of 'Ta'anni' (deliberation) which leads to success/safety.
أحمد: سأقود بسرعة لنصل في خمس دقائق. خالد: لا يا أحمد، ________.
Khaled is warning Ahmed that rushing is dangerous and will lead to regret.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
In this proverb, 'Ajala' (haste) is contrasted with 'Ta'anni' (deliberation).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic teachings, it is considered a general cultural proverb used by everyone, regardless of religion.
Yes! In fact, the second half is often used alone as a positive encouragement to be careful.
'Sur'a' is just speed (neutral). 'Ajala' is haste/hurry (usually negative).
Yes, if they are asking you to rush a project in a way that might cause errors, you can use it respectfully.
No, 'Salama' means safety. 'Salam' means peace/hello. They are from the same root.
Related Phrases
الصبر مفتاح الفرج
similarPatience is the key to relief.
العجلة من الشيطان
synonymHaste is from the Devil.
الوقت من ذهب
contrastTime is gold.
من تأنى نال ما تمنى
builds onHe who acts with deliberation attains what he wishes.
