A stranger may take an enemy for a friend; whoever…
Quote
A stranger may take an enemy for a friend; whoever does not honour himself is not honoured.
Arabic original
ومن يغترب يحسب عدوًّا صديقه، ومن لا يكرّم نفسه لا يكرّم.
What it means
Away from familiar surroundings, another person’s intentions can be difficult to judge. The second part values self-respect; it should not be used to blame someone for disrespect inflicted by others.
The story behind this quote
The verse is among the reflections ending Zuhayr’s Mu‘allaqa. It connects caution in relationships with care for one’s own dignity.
Both parts concern relationships in which judgement is tested. One describes a stranger lacking familiar points of reference; the other considers the place someone claims among others. Reading them together restores the verse’s double concern with caution and dignity in social life.
The source
معلقة زهير بن أبي سلمى, من الحكم التي تُختتم بها المعلقة
The text appears in the indicated source. A traditional attribution remains distinct from proof of authorship: see the context.
More quotes by Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma
I am weary of life’s burdens; whoever lives eighty years, indeed, grows weary.
Whatever character a person has, even if they think it hidden from others, it becomes known.