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Is the phrase "الدنيا وجوه وأعتاب" (The world is faces and thresholds) a Quranic verse or a noble Prophetic Hadith, or is it merely an expression or a proverb unrelated to religion?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If this phrase is intended to mean the changing circumstances of worldly life, such as poverty and wealth, health and affliction, and people's reproach, then its meaning is correct. This is supported by the Almighty's saying: "And We test you with evil and with good as a trial; and to Us you will be returned," and His saying: "And these days—We alternate them among the people."

It is incumbent upon a person to remain a servant of Allah, no matter how much their circumstances change, and to know that the change of circumstances is by Allah's decree and destiny, and that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him. The harm from people cannot be averted except by holding fast to Allah and seeking refuge in Him from the evil of His creation.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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