Proverbs and wisdom prior to Islam

Abstract

You cannot talk about Islam without mentioning the Arabic culture. Proverbs considered to be a subject which is full of meaning, and it might be known in Arabic culture by (common saying or proverb). This can be represented by comparing something to something else and suggesting that it has similar quality. There is tangible existence of proverbs in the life of humanity and it might even be contributed to the civilization of human beings. Proverbs vary as the social classes do. Whether proverbs are formal or slang informal they always described as common because the experience of all people make it come to be known and though it felt familiar to most the people. Proverbs are not made to be abandoned since it is still represent a message which is contain the experience and suffering of human. On the other hand there is the wisdom which is similar to the proverb in some aspects, it can be defined in various definitions and meanings. Some of them are as follows:

1. Performing something in the ideal and optimum way.
2. Science explaining the real nature of things.
3. Divine mysteries and intentions inherent in things.
4. Knowledge together with action.
5. Beneficial knowledge and good deeds.

Proverb and wisdom play a major rule in transporting the culture and history from generation to another. And the Islamic culture made that clear by setting plenty of example to add up to Arabic culture in specific and humanity in genera.