Meaning
One's actions, whether good or bad, will eventually lead to consequences for them.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Mokafat-e Amal' is often linked to the concept of 'Hagh-on-Nas' (the rights of people). It is believed that God might forgive sins against Himself, but the 'Mokafat' for hurting other people is inevitable and will be seen in this life. In Dari-speaking regions, the phrase is used with a similar weight, often appearing in folk tales where a cruel king or a greedy neighbor eventually meets a tragic end as a lesson to the community. In Tajik Persian, while the Cyrillic script is used (Мукофоти амал), the meaning remains identical. It is a staple of Tajik ethical education and classical literature studies. Among the diaspora, the phrase is often used to discuss the political fate of regimes or leaders, reflecting a hope for historical justice and the eventual 'return' of actions on a national scale.
Use it for 'Poetic Justice'
This phrase is perfect for when a movie villain gets defeated by their own weapon.
Avoid Victim Blaming
Never say this to someone who is suffering from a random accident or illness.
Meaning
One's actions, whether good or bad, will eventually lead to consequences for them.
Use it for 'Poetic Justice'
This phrase is perfect for when a movie villain gets defeated by their own weapon.
Avoid Victim Blaming
Never say this to someone who is suffering from a random accident or illness.
The 'Echo' Metaphor
If you want to sound very advanced, mention Rumi's mountain echo metaphor when using this phrase.
Dar-e Mokafat
Iranians often call the world 'Dar-e Mokafat' (House of Retribution) to imply that nothing goes unpunished.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the proverb.
او به همه ظلم کرد و حالا تنها شده است. واقعاً که دنیا دارِ ________ است.
The phrase 'Donya dar-e mokafat ast' is a very common extension of our proverb, meaning 'The world is a house of retribution'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Mokafat-e Amal'?
In which of these scenarios is the phrase most appropriate?
This shows a direct moral link between past behavior and current misfortune.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: شنیدی که شرکتِ اون کلاهبردار ورشکست شد؟ علی: بله، ________.
When a fraudster (kolahbardar) goes bankrupt, it is seen as a clear case of 'Mokafat-e Amal'.
Match the proverb to its English equivalent.
Match 'مکافات عمل' with the best English idiom.
Both phrases describe the cyclical nature of actions and their consequences.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو به همه ظلم کرد و حالا تنها شده است. واقعاً که دنیا دارِ ________ است.
The phrase 'Donya dar-e mokafat ast' is a very common extension of our proverb, meaning 'The world is a house of retribution'.
In which of these scenarios is the phrase most appropriate?
This shows a direct moral link between past behavior and current misfortune.
سارا: شنیدی که شرکتِ اون کلاهبردار ورشکست شد؟ علی: بله، ________.
When a fraudster (kolahbardar) goes bankrupt, it is seen as a clear case of 'Mokafat-e Amal'.
Match 'مکافات عمل' with the best English idiom.
Both phrases describe the cyclical nature of actions and their consequences.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn modern Persian, yes. While its root can mean 'reward', it is almost exclusively used for negative consequences today.
It sounds a bit too dramatic for small things. Use it for moral or significant life events.
'Mojazat' is legal punishment; 'Mokafat' is moral or cosmic retribution.
It is written as 'مکافات عمل'. Note the Ezafe is usually not written but always pronounced.
It has religious roots but is used by everyone in Iran, regardless of their level of religiosity.
Only if discussing ethics or the long-term results of a strategy. It's quite formal.
The verb 'didon' (to see) is the most common: 'Mokafat-e amalam ra didam'.
Yes, 'Chob-e karasho khord' (He ate the stick of his deeds) is the informal equivalent.
It can apply to both, including nations or companies.
Very common! Many songs about heartbreak or betrayal use this phrase.
It's a short 'e' sound that connects the two words, like the 'e' in 'bed'.
No, the order is fixed. It must be 'Mokafat-e Amal'.
Related Phrases
از هر دست بدهی، از همان دست میگیری
synonymWhat you give with one hand, you receive with the same.
چاهکن همیشه ته چاه است
similarThe one who digs a well (trap) for others ends up at the bottom of it.
خودکرده را تدبیر نیست
builds onThere is no remedy for what you have done to yourself.
هر چه کنی به خود کنی
synonymWhatever you do, you do to yourself.
گندم از گندم بروید، جو ز جو
similarWheat grows from wheat, barley from barley.
