"Integrity Over Instinct: Lessons from Purebred Horses in a World of Quick Wealth and Compromise

The story of the Arab horses, a beautiful tradition from pre-Islamic times, serves as a profound metaphor for the state of our societies today. In those days, when horses multiplied and it became difficult to distinguish between purebred and mixed-breed horses, the Arabs employed a unique method. They would gather all the horses in one place, denying them food and water until they were both hungry and extremely thirsty. Then, they would whip them severely before finally offering them food and water.

At this critical moment, the horses would naturally divide into two groups. The first group, driven by hunger and thirst, would rush toward the food and drink, oblivious to their humiliation. The second group, however, would stand back, refusing to eat from the hand that had whipped and humiliated them. This act of defiance and dignity distinguished the purebred horses from the mixed-breed ones.

This story isn’t just about horses; it holds a mirror to our society today. The distinction between "purebred" and "hybrid" is not just a matter of lineage or biology but of character and principle. In Arabic, the word "Asil" or "Aseel" for men and "Asila" or "Aseela" for women conveys a sense of being genuine, noble, and unwavering in one's principles. These terms are not just compliments; they speak to a person's integrity, loyalty, and honor.

A man who is "Asil" will stand by his principles, his family, and his friends, even when doing so comes at a personal cost. A woman who is "Asila" embodies pride, dignity, and unwavering support for her loved ones, upholding their name and honor in all circumstances. These qualities are the hallmarks of a "purebred" in the figurative sense—those who, like the horses in the story, refuse to compromise their dignity for immediate gain.

In contrast, the term "hybrid," when applied to people, implies a lack of integrity or a defect in character. It refers not to a biological mixing but to a moral or ethical compromise. Those who rush to the hand that whips them seeking only immediate gratification, represent this hybridity. They lack the principles that would make them stand firm in the face of adversity.

This metaphor also extends to our careers and personal lives. Many people find themselves stuck in toxic jobs or environments, enduring humiliation and stress because they fear the unknown or because the pay is good. Just like the first group of horses, they compromise their well-being and dignity for the sake of security or material gain. However, true strength and integrity lie in the ability to stand up against such circumstances, to seek out what is right and just, even if it means venturing into the unknown.

In today's world, where the allure of quick wealth, especially through social media, often sets a misleading example, it's crucial to remember that such paths are not the foundation on which to build a lasting and honorable society. The rise of fast riches and the celebration of shallow success stories do not offer the virtues necessary for a strong, principled community. History has repeatedly shown that the humiliation of proud, noble people who stand by their principles does not endure. Integrity and honor are lasting, while the fleeting success of those who compromise their values fades with time.

The words of?Ali?ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, further emphasize this point: "Beware the anger of a noble person when they are hungry, and the anger of a base person when they are full." This statement speaks to the essence of nobility and baseness—how a person's true character is revealed in times of need and abundance.

In today’s rapidly changing world, where politics and lies often blur the lines between right and wrong, and where the pursuit of quick wealth can lead people astray, it is crucial to remember the lessons of the past. Stand by those who, like the purebred horses, refuse to be swayed by the allure of immediate gratification and remain true to their principles. In doing so, we uphold the values that define us as individuals and as a society, ensuring that honor, dignity, and integrity continue to prevail. By Saad Al-Hashimi