"إنه علامة على الدجال أن يشرح"

When someone feels the need to justify themselves excessively, it often means they’re trying to cover up something or deceive. This is what the quote is getting at. Charlatans, or frauds, have a habit of over-explaining. They think that by using a lot of words, they can hide the fact that they don’t know what they're talking about.

Imagine you’re at a car dealership. You ask about a car’s mileage and the salesperson starts talking about the car’s history, its previous owners, the engine’s horsepower, and how it’s been meticulously maintained. They go on and on, but they never directly answer your question about the mileage. A genuine person would give you a straightforward answer. The lengthy explanation is a smokescreen—a way to distract you from realizing they’re not being entirely honest.

Now, let’s put this idea into a historical context. Think about the snake oil salesmen from the 19th century. They traveled around selling “miracle cures” with grand promises. They’d have elaborate pitches, telling you this concoction could cure everything from a headache to a broken heart. They used complex explanations to make their products sound legitimate. But in reality, these cures were often just mixtures of alcohol and other useless ingredients. The more they explained, the more people trusted them—only to be disappointed when the product didn’t work.

To apply this wisdom in your own life, start paying attention to how people explain things. If someone is being genuine, they’ll usually give you a clear, concise answer. They won’t need to dance around the subject. If you find yourself or someone else over-explaining, take a step back and consider why. Are you trying to justify something that doesn’t need justification? Or maybe someone’s trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

Let’s say you’re interviewing a contractor to renovate your kitchen. You ask him a simple question: “How long will the renovation take?” One contractor tells you, “Around three weeks, given your kitchen’s size and the work involved.” Another goes on a tangent about how renovations can be unpredictable, starts talking about the types of materials and then gives you a vague “It’ll take some time.” The first contractor’s direct answer shows confidence and honesty. The second? A potential charlatan.

Here's a little story to illustrate the point: Picture two friends, Alex and Jordan. Alex is always straightforward. When you ask him for advice, he gives it to you straight. Jordan, on the other hand, always seems to have a lengthy explanation for everything. Once, when you asked Jordan about investing in a new business idea, he spent an hour talking about market trends, potential risks, and obscure financial terms. By the end, you were more confused than when you started. Alex, in contrast, might’ve said, “Sounds risky, but if you believe in it, go for it.”

In everyday conversations, clarity is key. We don’t need to impress each other with big words or lengthy monologues. We need to be honest and direct. So next time you catch yourself or someone else over-explaining, remember: simplicity often speaks the loudest.