Kassem Hojeij and the Proverb: “If Luck Favors You, Ride a Horse”
“Appreciating Blessings and Upholding Status in Jabal Amel”
The proverb “If luck favors you, ride a horse” encourages individuals blessed with wealth, strength, or social status to live according to their means and not to diminish their own dignity or that of their families.
“The Origin and Meaning of the Proverb”
Historian Kassem Hojeij explained:
“Allah says in the Quran: ‘And as for the favor of your Lord, proclaim it.’
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude for Allah’s blessings.
The proverb reflects this principle, urging those blessed by fortune to conduct themselves with dignity and avoid behaviors unbecoming of their status.”
“The Importance of Horses in Jabal Amel”
Hojeij highlighted that the mention of horses in the proverb stems from the region’s deep-rooted admiration for Arabian horses, which symbolize pride and prestige.
“Nobles and scholars in Jabal Amel traditionally rode the finest horses, reflecting their social standing.
A renowned example is Abu Abdullah from Tibnin, a 19th-century scholar who owned a striking white stallion. The horse was so tall—two meters high—that he could mount it in one leap. Its ferocity made it untouchable by anyone else.”
