Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.
Al-MaarriRead
They all err - Muslims, Christians, Jews and Magians. There are two kinds of humans - the intelligent, who have no religion, and the religious, who have no intellect.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques both religious and non-religious people, suggesting that true intelligence transcends religious belief.
Al-Maarri's quote reflects on the nature of human understanding and belief systems, arguing that all groups, whether religious or secular, can err in their judgments. He posits that intelligence is not inherently linked to religious affiliation, implying that those who are truly wise can find meaning beyond dogma, while those bound by rigid beliefs may lack true intellectual depth. This statement invites contemplation on the relationship between faith, reason, and the human condition.
Themes
ReligionIntelligencePhilosophyWisdomBeliefUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the role of religion in society, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of critical thinking.
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