من رأى مصيبة غيره هانت عليه مصيبته
mn ra msyb ghyrh hant aalyh msybth
Who sees another's misfortune, his own seems light.
Meaning
Witnessing others' suffering can make one appreciate their own situation more, seeing it as less severe.
Cultural Background
In these regions, the proverb is often used with a sigh of 'Ya Latif' (O Kind One), emphasizing the spiritual reliance on God during hard times. Egyptians often use this proverb in a more humorous or 'street-wise' way to tell someone to stop complaining about trivialities. In the Gulf, this is frequently cited in Majlis (gatherings) when discussing regional news or family hardships to maintain a sense of communal gratitude. The phrasing might change slightly to 'اللي شاف محاين الناس، نسى محاينه' (He who sees the trials of people, forgets his own trials).
The 'Alhamdulillah' Combo
Always precede or follow this proverb with 'Alhamdulillah' to sound like a native speaker who accepts fate with grace.
Don't be a 'One-Upper'
Be careful not to use this to 'win' an argument about who is suffering more. It's meant for comfort, not competition.
Meaning
Witnessing others' suffering can make one appreciate their own situation more, seeing it as less severe.
The 'Alhamdulillah' Combo
Always precede or follow this proverb with 'Alhamdulillah' to sound like a native speaker who accepts fate with grace.
Don't be a 'One-Upper'
Be careful not to use this to 'win' an argument about who is suffering more. It's meant for comfort, not competition.
Dialect Shift
If you are in Egypt, use 'Balwa' (بلوة). If you are in a formal meeting, stick to 'Musiba' (مصيبة).
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
من رأى مصيبة غيره ____ عليه مصيبته.
The subject 'Musiba' is feminine, so the verb must be 'Hanat'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this proverb?
A friend is complaining that their new car has a small scratch.
The proverb is used to provide perspective by comparing a minor issue (car scratch) to a major one (earthquake).
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
أحمد: أنا مستاء جداً لأنني لم أحصل على الترقية. خالد: لا تحزن يا صديقي، تذكر أن هناك من فقد عمله بالكامل، و____.
The context is about comparing misfortunes, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
The Relativity of Problems
Practice Bank
3 exercisesمن رأى مصيبة غيره ____ عليه مصيبته.
The subject 'Musiba' is feminine, so the verb must be 'Hanat'.
A friend is complaining that their new car has a small scratch.
The proverb is used to provide perspective by comparing a minor issue (car scratch) to a major one (earthquake).
أحمد: أنا مستاء جداً لأنني لم أحصل على الترقية. خالد: لا تحزن يا صديقي، تذكر أن هناك من فقد عمله بالكامل، و____.
The context is about comparing misfortunes, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is a traditional proverb/wisdom (Hikma), though its meaning aligns with many Quranic principles of patience.
Yes, it's actually very effective for 'first-world problems' to remind yourself to stay grounded.
Because 'Musiba' is a feminine noun, and the verb must agree with it.
It depends on the person. If they are very close to you, it's comforting. If they are a stranger, it might seem dismissive.
Related Phrases
الحمد لله على كل حال
similarPraise be to God in all circumstances.
كل تأخيرة وفيها خيرة
similarEvery delay has a blessing in it.
مصائب قوم عند قوم فوائد
contrastThe misfortunes of some are benefits to others.
الصبر مفتاح الفرج
builds onPatience is the key to relief.
