It seems only right that you should return some of that respect by showing a grasp of some basic aspects of Jordanian customs, Arab and Muslim culture. Arabic comes from the Semitic languages group from the Afroasiatic language familyfrom the Middle East. He created the whole world, not only the Muslims. Typically, the host will offer snacks and as the guest you should humbly deny the first offer, but accept if the host insists. 3. It is not polite to say “No”. Be careful not to leave too … After some time when Islam began to spread in the world, people speaking languages other than Arabic also wrote books and literature in their languages too. After the death of his grandfather, he was taken up by his uncle named Abu Talib who took care of him. Dress code applies to both men and women. To sum up, here are a few key points to keep in mind: Practice Humility: Have a demeanor which models kindness and forbids being harsh, rude, or even speaking loudly to... Seek Moderation: Many Muslims value deliberation, a careful consideration which focuses on … —Family is very important. ¾ Do not ask an Arab questions about his wife or other female members … The rules of the Arab culture or the religion of Islam keep the followers focused, or they don’t. He became an orphan at an age of six years and lived with his grandfather for around two years. 6. However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken at another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil eye. Although Muslims can proselytise to those of other faiths, it is forbidden for those of other faiths to proselytise to Muslims. Respect the different living areas in the home, when an Arab says, 'my home is your home' it is only an expression. Being an Arab American has many advantages and disadvantages. Do not eat everything on your plate. Here is your guide to cultural norms when it comes to dinner etiquette for traditional Arab families. The business culture in the Middle East is completely different than the American business world. Muhammad started receiving revelations at the age of around forty years, by the angel named Gabriel who was sent to him by Allah himself. Be careful not to leave too much behind, however, as this shows a dislike in their food. He married his first wife at an age of twenty five years and his wife was fifteen years elder than him. The believers of Muhammad were forced to leave Mecca because of the differences in their beliefs. Stand when someone enters the room. In general, the ideal marriage in Arab society is for a man to marry the daughter of his paternal uncle. Which Countries are Arab Countries? 1. What if I’m not hungry? For example, fast fo… Proverb of the Day Iza kan habibak 'asal ma talhasoosh koloh English equivalent: Don’t abuse the kindness of a friend. If you are left-handed, this rule is a tough one! They also have the right to keep all of their earnings. Recitations of the Quran as well as poetry are common at weddings and to mark other important events. The Shias believe in the twelve leaders or successors of Muhammad named Ali, Hasan, Husayn, al-Sajjad, al-Baqir, al-Sadiq, al-Kadhim, ar-Ridha, al-Taqi, al-Naqi, al-Askari and al-Mahdi. During the Middle Ages, Arabic was a major vehicle of culture in Europe, especially in science, mathematics and philosophy. It is like any other religion or way of life: people follow it or they don’t. The novel has slowly become popular among both men and women due to … All the Muslims, no matter from where they belong, believe in charity, praying five times a day, pilgrimage, judgement day, god’s will etc. So, Muhammad along with his followers moved to Abyssinia and kept preaching the people. Women in Arab countries are supposed to wear dresses that cover their complete body as well as the head should be covered by them with a veil. Typically dinnertime is the highest point of the evening in which you have conversations and enjoy each other’s company. Quran is believed to be the words of Allah himself, so disobeying anything written in the Quran is considered a sin. Things that we are exposed to affect us mentally, physically and spiritually. In Islamic culture, every aspect related to the life of a person has been covered. Accept whatever is offered to you. Though most of these countries follow the basic rules that are mentioned in the Quran. After this he moved back to Medina and declared the place a Muslim state. Islam believes that Muslims should protect themselves from things that are either not permitted in the religion or considered a sin. In addition to other factors, religion and cultural background influence individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes toward health and illness. Transporting the Body. The Sunni people believed that the adviser and the father-in-law of Muhammad, Abu Bakr should be the leader, whereas the Shias believed that the friend and the son-in-law of Muhammad, Ali is the rightful leader. Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or…show more content…. Frequently, this will be Western-style tea or coffee. Similarly with regard to the "Arab culture," the cultural patterns vary slightly across the 21 Arab countries. These elements usually have some past significance or evidences attached to them. However, the importance of good business dealings in that area are of extreme importance to our country. It’s polite to be seen to wash your hands before a meal. In the topic of marriage in the Arab culture,this is an event that marks the change of the bride’s life through the acceptance, honor and blessing given to her by the society. Though different areas use local dialects of Arabic, all share in the use of the standard classical language. ¾ Do not try and engage a woman in conversation unless you have been formally introduced. When traveling anywhere in the Arab world, it is a matter of honor that you receive a warm welcome. Many matters of etiquette in the Middle East are connected to Islam as it is written in the Qur'an and how it has been traditionally understood and practiced throughout the centuries. Arabic countries range from Morocco to North Africa, and … Throughout history, it was common practice to use the left hand in the restroom to clean oneself, keeping the right hand sanitary for shaking hands and eating. Last updated on January 28th, 2020. One very important thing to remember is use your right hand when picking up and eating food: never your left hand. ISLAMIC CLOTHING / MUSLIM DRESS. Due to a large force of people with Muhammad, he was allowed to enter Mecca. There are a lot of aspects like dating, food and engagement process are very different from the Western culture. Some of the influencers of Lebanese culture are Phoenicians, Assyrians, Romans, Ottoman Turks, Greeks, Persians, Arabs, and the French. There is only one God, no matter how many names he has been given in different religions. Leave shortly after dinner. Literature and Classical Arabic poetry is highly valued. The patriarch of the family … 5. It is always best to say “Yes.” Keep in mind that a “Yes” can also mean “Maybe.” 3. Though both the groups wanted different leaders to guide them, they also had some common beliefs like faith in only one God, believing in holy books, angels, judgement day or the afterlife and prophethood. It is important to always wash your hands before touching any food. When many people starting believing in his teachings, Muhammad asked all his followers from all over the place to meet at Medina, from where they returned to Mecca. You will always be offered refreshments in an Arab home or office. Arabic, in its standard form, is the official language of 26 states, as well as the liturgical language of the religion of Islam, since the Quran and Hadith were written in Arabic. Greet the most senior person first when meeting a group of people. English belongs to the West Germanic languages branch, further divided into the North-Sea Germanic group’s Anglic linguistic varieties. Am I allowed to eat this? Islam believes that Muslims should protect themselves from things that are either not permitted in the religion or considered a sin. In Arab culture as well as many from the east, the left hand is considered unclean. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in the Bahrain - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. Lamb is very common and always a safe choice. In different religions, God is called by different names, but that doesn’t that there are many Gods. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction with verbal curses. Allah never gets tired, never sleeps or dies. culture the "A-OK" sign is a positive gesture. The traditional structure of … This page is to help Americans communicate, understand, and most importantly, do business in the Middle East. Staying too long after the meal can be disrespectful or a sign of not being satisfied with the company. 3. The fourth leader was Ali who was believed to be the successor of Muhammad by the Shias. Always arrive on time for a meeting, however, know that punctuality is not considered a virtue in the Arab world, and people are often kept waiting before, or during, a meeting. Don't as… Bring a small gift of flowers, chocolates, pastries, fruit or honey. ¾ Do not stare at women or maintain eye contact. Asia, Middle Eastern part, Africa, Europe, America etc are the regions which include many Muslims. • Showing soles of feet is very offensive. 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