Type: Proverb, Ethical Maxim
Origin: A fundamental principle rooted in Arabic and Islamic ethical teachings, often expressed in Persian and Urdu literature.
Definition: This proverb teaches that the appropriate response to a good deed or kindness is to reciprocate with another good deed. It encourages a cycle of virtue and discourages revenge or negativity. It implies that goodness is its own reward and that practicing it will inspire goodness in return.
Ethical & Religious Context: This is a cornerstone of moral philosophy in Islamic culture. It is directly inspired by the Quranic verse: "هَلْ جَزَاءُ الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ" (Is the reward for goodness anything but goodness?) [Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:60]. It promotes a society based on mutual respect, compassion, and positive action.
Expanded Features:
Polarity: Strongly Positive
Register: Formal, Literary, Ethical, Religious
Pragmatic Sense: Moral Instruction, Encouragement of Virtue, Reciprocity, Forgiveness
Function: To guide behavior towards ethical and compassionate actions.
Synonyms (Urdu):
احسان کا بدلہ احسان (Ehsan Ka Badla Ehsan): The reward for a favor is a favor.
بھلائی کا بدلہ بھلائی (Bhalai Ka Badla Bhalai): The reward for goodness is goodness.
نیکی نیکی ہی سے ملتی ہے (Neki Neki Hi Se Milti Hai): Goodness is met only with goodness.
Synonyms (English):
One good turn deserves another.
Repay kindness with kindness.
Virtue is its own reward.
Do good and good will come to you.
Antonyms (Conceptual - Opposing Philosophies):
برائی کا بدلہ برائی (Burai Ka Badla Burai): Repay evil with evil.
بدلہ (Badla): Revenge.
کینہ (Keena): Malice, grudge.
Key Nuances:
It is not just a suggestion but is considered a moral duty in many ethical frameworks.
It encourages breaking cycles of negativity and vengeance.
Usage Contexts:
Teaching children about moral values.
Advising someone to take the high road and not seek revenge.
In sermons and religious discourses to promote virtuous behavior.
As a reminder to be grateful and reciprocate kindness.
Example Sentences:
Urdu: اس نے تمہاری مدد کی تھی، اب تمہیں چاہیے کہ نیکی کا بدلہ نیکی سے دو۔
English: He helped you, now you should repay his goodness with goodness.
Urdu: نیکی کا بدلہ نیکی ہی ہونا چاہیے، برائی سے نہیں۔
English: The reward for goodness should be goodness, not evil.
Cultural Insight:
This proverb is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Pakistan. It reflects a core Islamic value that emphasizes the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and creating a virtuous cycle in society. It is often invoked to resolve conflicts, encourage charity, and promote a sense of communal responsibility. It stands in contrast to a culture of revenge ("بدلہ") and promotes the idea that the most powerful response to kindness is to perpetuate it.
Related Terms:
احسان (Ehsan): Favor, beneficence
بھلائی (Bhalai): Goodness
اخلاق (Ikhlaq): Ethics, morals
صلہ (Sila): Reward, recompense
بدلہ (Badla): Revenge (the negative counterpart)