Kassem Hojeij and the Proverb: “Shaqra’s Lentils Cook Instantly”
“Shaqra: A Symbol of Fertility and Blessing in Jabal Amel”
The village of Shaqra in Jabal Amel holds a prestigious place in the region’s folklore, known for the blessing and fertility in everything it produces—plants, animals, and people.
The proverb “Shaqra’s lentils cook instantly” highlights the exceptional quality of its products.
“The Origin and Story Behind the Proverb”
When asked about this proverb, historian Kassem Hojeij explained:
“Shaqra is a beautiful village with pristine nature and fresh air. All its products—dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meats—are renowned for their superior quality and taste.
The proverb refers to Shaqra’s lentils, which are said to cook quickly and require less time than those from other villages.
A well-known tale tells of a Shaqra cattleman who sold a cow to a butcher. The butcher delayed slaughtering it, and when he finally did, customers complained about the toughness of the meat.
The butcher confronted the cattleman, accusing him of selling a substandard cow. The cattleman replied:
‘I sold you a cow from Shaqra, not the grass of Shaqra.’
The story suggests that the cow’s high-quality meat was due to its diet of Shaqra’s blessed vegetation, echoing the Quranic verse:
‘And the good land—its vegetation emerges by permission of its Lord; but that which is bad—nothing emerges except sparsely.’”
“Fertility and Abundance in Jabal Amel”
Hojeij emphasized:
“Fertility and blessing define the Jabal Amel region. Its fruits, meats, dairy products, and all its agricultural and animal goods are highly sought after in Lebanon, the Arab world, and even Europe.
The region’s produce reflects the quality and blessings of the land it comes from.”
