Shuay Shuay

Shuay Shuay is a local slang meaning little bit. It usually refer to the lack of ability to speak the local language (Arabic). It is very useful for people like me, who can speak only basic Arabic sentences. Such that if I ask a question in Arabic and the person gives a lengthy answer, I am sure to gawk. Inserting shuay shuay would be good and do add a humble smile.

Yesterday someone rang the door bell. I peeped through the curtain and saw a presumably Arab lady in her full abaya and her face covered. You can only see her eyes. She had with her a little girl, perhaps in the age of five.

I was excited actually. Is she a neighbour? Perhaps she wants to say hi. Maybe she wants to borrow some salt. I have plenty. Maybe her water pump was out and her daughter seriously needs to take a leak. Ah any excuses is ok if she wants to be my friend. I am desperate for one, I must say.

I went out to her and she said Asslammualaikum, the way an Arab say it. With a twang.

I answered with a smile.

Since I am female she lifted her veil. Then she asked me something in Arabic.

I said. Arabic shuay shuay

Then she said mama? something something in arabic.

Oh I think she wants the lady of the house. I said Ana ummi baiti(grammar is wrong of course) But what I wanted to say was I am the mother of this house. I hope baiti means my house.

Then she said something in arabic. Really long sentences. I concentrated hard for familiar words and her body language. I think she told me her name which I didn't catch and also she is from Iraq.

Then I caught the word miskin. Miskin means poor. Then she said something in english. No money.

Oh! I get what she is trying to say. She has no money and she wants some from me.

Hmmm..

I asked, Lak fulus? (No money?)

Naam. She replied nonchalantly. No sad look.

Then I asked..Ante akala? I hope it means you want to eat, showing gestures of eating. Little one? Wants drink? Showing gestures of drinking.

Lak. Lak. (no. No) And she showed gestures of baby. Milk. Diapers. No money. Saying something that she would prefer to have money then eat.

I looked at her daughter. She had scratches on her face. I asked why is her face like that? Showing gestures of scratches on my own face.

She said something. I only caught Saghir. (little).

Her daughter was scratched by her other little ones.

Then I looked at her and said again Lak Fulus?. I also pointed out that she has a nice watch, and her abaya looks good. Why is she begging? Which obviously she didn't understand.

I asked her where her husband is. She stared blankly. Hmmm. Then I remembered a verse in the Quran where Allah created a partner for Adam(a.s.) and some other verses about partner. Partner is Zaujah. I remembered only this word in my harfiyah. I am hopeless.

So I asked her Aina zaujah?

She replied something which I didn't know. I think she said her husband is dead.

I don't know. I don't really like the idea of begging. Approaching anyone when you look like you have the capability to work. But then I am a sucker also. I just hope she is not a con. But all given are halal from me. I gave her little one a chocolate drink as well. For she is a kid. Her mother had better be true. Dragging that poor child under the hot sun is just terrible.

She must have her own stories. Everyone does. It has better be a good one for the Yaummideen. Pray for her betterment.

So that was my rusty arabic for you. If I have an arabic friend I can get better.