Hazaa (with a short "a" sound after the "h") is a pungent plant used as incense for spirits. It resembles celery, and it is claimed that jinn do not approach a house where it is present. This is used as a metaphor for something whose evil is feared, so one says: "Flee, for this is a wind of evil."
An-Najaa' means haste. It is lengthened and never shortened except in poetic necessity, as in the saying: "A wind of Hazaa, so flee! Do not be prey to the lurking lion."
It is said that Umar ibn Hakim an-Nahdi entered upon Yazid ibn al-Muhallab while he was imprisoned. When he saw him, he said: "O Abu Khalid, a wind of Hazaa," meaning that this is a harbinger of evil, and what follows is even worse. So he fled the next day.
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The closest equivalent in English is:
Run for your life!
"Run for your life!" — This is the closest in terms of an urgent warning of impending danger.
Other similar proverbs and expressions include:
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
Meaning, signs of trouble indicate real danger.
Take to your heels.
Discretion is the better part of valor.
Meaning, sometimes survival is better than confrontation.
Get out while you still can.
This is used when signs of disaster or danger appear.
The closest expression that captures the meaning and spirit of the proverb is:
Where there's smoke, there's fire — so run for your life.
Meaning: If signs of trouble appear, act quickly to save yourself.
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والنجاء: الإسراع، يمد ولا يقصر إلا في ضرورة الشعر، كما قال:
ريح حزاء فالنجا لا تكن فريسة للأسد اللابد
قيل: دخل عمر بن حكيم النهدي على يزيد بن المهلب وهو في الحبس، فلما رآه قال: يا أبا خالد ريح حزاء، أي أن هذا تباشير شر وما يجيء بعده شر منه، فهرب من الغد
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