When the epoch becomes corrupt, the wicked gain mastery [over the people].
إذا فَسَدَ الزَّمانُ سادَ اللِّئامُ۔
—Ghurar al-Hikam
—غُرَرُ الحِکَم و دُرَرُ الکَلِم
In time there are vicissitudes (or lessons [to be learnt]).
فِي الزَّمانِ اَلْغِيَرُ (اَلْعِبَرُ)۔
—Ghurar al-Hikam
—غُرَرُ الحِکَم و دُرَرُ الکَلِم
One who busies himself with [the worldly activities of his] lifetime becomes occupied by it [and...
مَنْ تَشاغَلَ بِالزَّمانِ شَغَلَهُ۔
—Ghurar al-Hikam
—غُرَرُ الحِکَم و دُرَرُ الکَلِم
Whoever feels safe from time is betrayed by it and whoever regards it as great is humiliated by it.
مَنْ أمِنَ الزَّمانَ خانَهُ، ومَنْ أعْظَمَهُ أهانَهُ۔
—Ghurar al-Hikam
—غُرَرُ الحِکَم و دُرَرُ الکَلِم
