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What is the opposite of the word "self-made"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The word "العصامي" (self-made) is contrasted with "العظامي" (relying on ancestors). An 'Isami is someone who earns their glory through their own efforts, without relying on their parents or grandparents, named after 'Isam who elevated himself. A 'Uthami, on the other hand, is someone who depends on their ancestors, who have become bones and dust, to achieve glory without effort. One who combines both is an 'Isami 'Uthami, as the poet said. Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him, combined both forms of nobility: 'Isami and 'Uthami, as he followed the creed of his forefathers and relied on what his Lord taught him. That is why the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said about the noblest of people: "Yusuf ibn Ya'qub ibn Ishaq ibn Ibrahim, a prophet, son of a prophet, son of a prophet, son of a prophet."

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

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