از تو حرکت، از خدا برکت
az to harekat, az khoda barakat
God helps those who help themselves
Meaning
Divine help comes to those who make an effort and take initiative.
Cultural Background
This proverb reflects the 'Bazaari' work ethic, where faith and commerce are intertwined. Merchants often start their day with a prayer and this proverb. In Dari-speaking regions, this phrase is equally popular and often used to emphasize community resilience during hard times. Sufi poets used this concept to explain that the spiritual journey (Suluk) requires the seeker to take the first step toward the Divine. Young Iranians use it ironically or playfully when starting something small, like a new video game or a gym routine.
The Rhyme is Key
If you forget the words, just remember they both end in '-kat'. It's the rhythm that makes it sound native.
Use it to be humble
If someone praises your success, you can say this to show that while you worked hard, you also acknowledge divine help. It prevents you from sounding arrogant.
Meaning
Divine help comes to those who make an effort and take initiative.
The Rhyme is Key
If you forget the words, just remember they both end in '-kat'. It's the rhythm that makes it sound native.
Use it to be humble
If someone praises your success, you can say this to show that while you worked hard, you also acknowledge divine help. It prevents you from sounding arrogant.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
از تو _______، از خدا _______.
The standard proverb uses 'Harkat' (movement) and 'Barekat' (blessing).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend wants to learn guitar but hasn't bought one yet.
The proverb is used to encourage the first step of action.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: I'm worried about my new business. What if no one buys anything? Sara: ________________________.
This is the natural way to encourage someone starting a business.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاز تو _______، از خدا _______.
The standard proverb uses 'Harkat' (movement) and 'Barekat' (blessing).
Your friend wants to learn guitar but hasn't bought one yet.
The proverb is used to encourage the first step of action.
Ali: I'm worried about my new business. What if no one buys anything? Sara: ________________________.
This is the natural way to encourage someone starting a business.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it has religious roots, but it is used by everyone in Iran, including secular people, as a general cultural idiom for 'work hard'.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and shows a positive, hardworking attitude.
'Talash' means effort/struggle. 'Harkat' literally means movement. In this proverb, 'Harkat' is used because it rhymes with 'Barekat'.
Related Phrases
نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمیشود
similarNo pain, no gain (Treasure is not attained without suffering).
همت بلند دار که مردان روزگار / از همت بلند به جایی رسیدهاند
builds onHave high ambition, for great men reached their goals through it.
کس نخارد پشت من جز ناخن انگشت من
similarNo one will scratch my back except my own fingernail.
