Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech

Reprimand

Reprimand-العتاب

1. Goodwill [and friendly admonishment] is the life of friendship [and affection].

1ـ اَلْعِتابُ حَياةُ المَوَدَّةِ.

2. Too much reprimand indicates [one’s] suspicion.

2ـ كَثْرَةُ العِتابِ تُؤْذِنُ بِالاِرْتيابِ.

3. He who seeks forgiveness (or is indigent) is not reprimanded.

3ـ ما أُعْتِبَ مَنِ اغْتَفَرَ (افْتَقَرَ).

4. Do not reprimand the ignorant one as he will hate you, but reprimand the wise one as he will love you [for it].

4ـ لاتُعاتِبِ الجاهِلَ فَيَمْقُتْكَ، وعاتِبِ العاقِلَ يُحْبِبْكَ.

5. Never be excessive in reprimanding, for indeed it brings about ill feelings and calls toward hatred; and seek to appease the one whom you hope to reprimand.

5ـ لا تُكْثِرَنَّ العِتابَ، فَإنَّهُ يُورِثُ الضَّغينَةَ ويَدْعُو إلَى

6. When you reprimand then leave some room [to make amends and do not be excessive in reprimanding].

6ـ إذا عاتَبْتَ فَاسْتَبْقِ.