Meaning
Being rewarded with evil or betrayal for good deeds or loyalty.
Cultural Background
The palace of Al-Khawarnaq was located near Najaf in modern-day Iraq. Iraqis take pride in this history, even the tragic parts, as it shows the ancient roots of their architectural mastery. The story is a staple of 'Adab' literature. Authors like Al-Jahiz and Al-Isfahani referenced it to teach ethics and the dangers of serving fickle rulers. In the Levant, this proverb is often used in political discussions to criticize the lack of loyalty in modern governance. In traditional Gulf society, where tribal loyalty is key, 'Jaza' Sinimmar' is seen as a violation of the highest social codes.
Use for Irony
The best time to use this is when the betrayal is ironic—like a security expert being robbed.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a 'frozen' proverb, using it too often makes you sound like a history book. Save it for big moments.
Meaning
Being rewarded with evil or betrayal for good deeds or loyalty.
Use for Irony
The best time to use this is when the betrayal is ironic—like a security expert being robbed.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a 'frozen' proverb, using it too often makes you sound like a history book. Save it for big moments.
The Quranic Contrast
Educated listeners will immediately contrast this with the verse 'Hal jaza'u al-ihsani illa al-ihsan'. Mentioning this contrast shows very high level mastery.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct context for using 'Jaza' Sinimmar'.
أي من المواقف التالية يناسبه مثل 'جزاء سنمار'؟
The doctor did a great favor (saving a life) and was rewarded with harm (a lawsuit), which is the essence of Sinimmar's reward.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
بعد أن بنى القصر، ألقاه الملك من السطح، فكان جزاؤه جزاء _______.
Sinimmar is a diptote (Mamnu' min al-Sarf), so in the genitive case (Mudaf Ilayh), it takes a fatha.
Match the proverb to the feeling it evokes.
ما هو الشعور الأساسي المرتبط بمثل 'جزاء سنمار'؟
The proverb is deeply rooted in the feelings of injustice (Zulm) and betrayal (Ghadr).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesأي من المواقف التالية يناسبه مثل 'جزاء سنمار'؟
The doctor did a great favor (saving a life) and was rewarded with harm (a lawsuit), which is the essence of Sinimmar's reward.
بعد أن بنى القصر، ألقاه الملك من السطح، فكان جزاؤه جزاء _______.
Sinimmar is a diptote (Mamnu' min al-Sarf), so in the genitive case (Mudaf Ilayh), it takes a fatha.
ما هو الشعور الأساسي المرتبط بمثل 'جزاء سنمار'؟
The proverb is deeply rooted in the feelings of injustice (Zulm) and betrayal (Ghadr).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsMost historians believe he was a real architect, though the details of his death have been mythologized over 1,500 years.
Only if it's a very formal complaint or a literary piece. It's too heavy for a standard business update.
Because it's a diptote (Mamnu' min al-Sarf). Foreign names in Arabic don't follow standard declension.
No, the phrase itself is inherently negative. For a positive reward, use 'Jaza'uhu al-Janna' (His reward is Paradise) or simply 'Shukran'.
Yes, especially when complaining about a boss or a government that doesn't appreciate hard work.
Related Phrases
اتق شر من أحسنت إليه
similarBeware the evil of him to whom you have done good.
نكران الجميل
synonymIngratitude.
عض اليد التي امتدت له
similarHe bit the hand that was extended to him.
جزاء الإحسان الإحسان
contrastThe reward of goodness is goodness.
