Facts about Arab Culture - Report Example

Task Arab Culture Introduction Arab countries, from parts of Asia to the Northern part of Africa are mainly the countries in which this rich vast culture is evident. Through Egypt and Morocco to Saudi Arabia, the culture that is of Arabic speaking tribes dominates consuming all of their beliefs and practices. Arab Culture dictates that Islam is the practiced religion imposing several rules and guidelines that is evidently the Arab community ways of life. This great culture contains a wide and unique form of beliefs, language, fashion, architecture and language that has become their identity and one can easily point this culture out from afar. Arabic culture traces its roots from the Arabian Peninsula next to the Sabaens where they ended up migrating the near east that consists of the ancient cities of Mesopotamia and Lavant. In order to understand better the Arabic culture, it is important to look at several key factors that define the great culture. Language factors, religious viewpoint and practices, fashion and architecture are some vital areas that shape the great Arabic culture. My essay analyses the Arab culture in depth looking at the very important factors that drives its existence. The Arab Culture Arabic language having a close relation to Aramaic and Hebrew is evidently the chief language in the Semitic category of Afro-Asiatic language (Young). All the Arabian nations including some Islamic communities have adopted the Arabic language as their own making it the vernacular language and the most holy in their life. Qur’an, the Islamic holy book, written in Arabic shows this great culture’s contribution to the Islamic religion where they find it difficult to translate it into any other language and fail to lose the teachings of the Holy book. Classical Arabic is the name given to the language that is used in The Holy Qur’an, having some distinction from the modern day Arabic language. The book contains chapters and verses written in various parables, verses and narratives that are an inspiration by Allah. This holy book is the major source of inspiration and teachings among the Islam religion, guiding their morals and behavior in the larger society. Most Arabs are Muslims embracing the Islamic religion. Islam being the second most popular world religion Christianity coming first is a monotheist type of religion believing in the existence of one God whom they refer to as Allah (Mikenola). The scriptures that govern the Islamic religion are all included in the holy Qur’an that was revealed to the Muslim faith through their prophet Muhammad. The content of this book are deemed holy and not to be subjected to any change or translation for it contains inspirational quotes and guidelines that help the believers adhere to their holy way of life. After Prophet Muhammad died, there was a division among the Muslim faithful leading to the founding of Sunni and Shi’ite conflicting over succession issues to the great prophet. However, all Muslims have one code to follow sharing the same beliefs as the Qur’an teaches. Islamic restrictions that the Qur’an passes to its followers and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are evident in the daily practices and beliefs of the ordinary Muslim believer. These are seen in their way of living as they go through the daily activities. They depict these lessons in their way of life, dressing codes, prayer, their participation in both the societies and at their work places. Before the Islamic religion was spread, the Arab culture mainly communicated using poems. It was used to show how successful certain tribes had gotten, and to spread rumors. During these times, there was plenty of war interactions between various societies with each striving to dominate the other. After Islamic religion was spread, these poems were replaced by more convenient means of communication. People were made aware of information through the Imams who brought them together as the Qur’an took effect in the general guidance of this implementation procedure. The government through these preachers had found a channel to relay their information to its population. Most Arab communities are very social, and through these interactions, the market place, gossip was spread and somehow information reached its intended target unwillingly. The Arab structure of the family consists of four family types. The first involves the two parents and their child, which is a single unit. This type is mostly rare for it only suits individuals how are high classed, more sophisticated and have moral issues against having large extended families. This kind of unit is normally found in urban areas and in the high-class families. In the Arab countries and most rural Arab settings, this kind of a family unit is nothing but a rumor, with most rejecting this family system. This kind of family setting has numerous advantages in that it enables close relation to exist between members of the family and the bond becomes even greater (Hammad, Adnan et al). The amount of time that this family spends together is immense leading to better understanding between each other. In a culture that mostly has many rules governing it, there needs to be an individual that guides the rest of the family members t follow through the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. The close relation that this setting merits its members enables them to work together and aid each other in adhering o the law. The second group is known as the aila or the broad extended family. This consists of the parents together with the children, some who are married and others not, uncles and aunts are included in this type of family system. All these individuals are blood related with no distance relative in the setting. Though a very large unit in a family, this unit is often well organized to challenge any economic crisis with the elder being the male who is seen to have the more age number. Mostly a grandfather would be the one in charge of making the critical decisions but if there exists none, then the father hold the place of the head of the family. This setting has an advantage in promoting stronger bonds between individuals sharing similar blood bonds, like for example the relationship between the son and an uncle in the family. Most of them usually help in supporting the family financially because there is no sole breadwinner. The third type is the hammula sometimes called the clan. This contains individuals in a family that are said to come from the same ancestor. Qabila, a name given to the three or sometimes four hammulas and is characteristic to most Arab villages. Most of these units are just a set of the various family types discussed and right at the center of them all, we find the third family-setting scene. An individual shows loyalty to his/her family and family members and before any important decision can be made, there is thorough consultation among the members to solve the impending crisis. This examples show the strength in unity and coordination in the Arab families with everyone operating as a unit rather than individually. A strong bond is definitely initiated and on regular basis as the hurdles, the individual Arab family unit bares all challenges, successes and downfalls. This shows that in the Arab community shows faith and togetherness through belief in one another and delegation of responsibility. A sense of respect for the authority is further seen in the delegation of duties. The strongest and eldest man in the family chain is put in charge and everybody else has to obey him. In most Arab cultures, the news holds important information to them, as they need to communicate with the world. The media to most Arab cultures shares a slight variation as compared to what we are used to (Margo). There is a lot of filtering of images and words stressed in their articles to protect their beliefs and what their Islamic religion dictates. While the Arab media news may only focus on political development or even economic progress, the normal program would share more than the viewer may demand. The media should be regulated according to Arabic culture, and this reduces the promotion of scenes that are considered dirty. There are strict rules that the Quran dictates and require certain details to be omitted when interacting with the outside world. The most frequently dwelled on topic is ever the aspect of clothing and presentation. With the media as a public channel here individuals get to interact with each other and the world, also being a learning channel for the children, the need to regulate its content is echoed by not only the culture of the Arabic community, but also every family across the globe. Islam and this culture may be tough, but it only seeks to restore sanity into a world that is quickly turning into an age of vulgarity and nudity. In most Arab countries, their governments dictate the media-giving license to those programs they find qualified to issue with the permit. A serious violation of their set chords and moral law may not only lead to closure of the project, but may also lead to jail sentence. Public image satisfaction is therefore at the hands of their governments. The Arab culture that embraces Islamic religion has put these regulations on its supporters to ensure that the rules and regulations that the Qur’an gives its followers are not broken (Higgins, 2011). This is the true faith of a true believer. The government considering it sacred following these rules are the checkers to a society that is held together by common beliefs. In the Arab world, journalism is a risky endeavor that presents many challenges. A deviation from the set law can lead to the government’s retaliation through imprisonment, application of torture to punish or even execution when the problem is identified. There is need for one to clearly be presented with the set of guidelines before a story is done. Magazine publications in the Arab world, finds its minimal demand as the government makes the decision on who to be licensed to make the distribution. Most advertising agencies may rather find less attention in this region because most products advertised usually gear towards fashion, an entity that most people do not concentrate on for they can only follow the appropriate dressing trend. Like discussed, family in the Arab culture is of great value to its members. In the western civilization, the concentration is mostly focused towards individual motives and achievements, contrary to the Arab customs. As their children grow up, they learn to adopt values and virtues that help them relate best with their families, and learn to gain respect not only for each other, but for their elders as well. This culture is well renowned for the Islamic religion that has several limitations and principles. Arabic culture finds its roots deeply rooted in religion and this entity helps its individuals to live their lives with confidence and harmony. Just like any other law or religion on the land, there are multiple rules and laws, which govern this culture through Islamic religion. I have discussed several of the restrictions that the media issues its citizens and in turn, there are restrictions to the eating trends as well as dressing codes and language. The religion forbids eating pork and most of them only eat meat from animals that are killed for eating following some set standards as the religion dictates. Some of these set standards are articulated to the mode of treatment of the animal as it is being slaughtered for eating, there has to be a level of controlled treatment not to mistreat it. They are also guidelines to proclaim sacrifice to Allah as the is spilt during the slaughtering process. Muslims consider alcohol consumption shameful and do not take it in any presented form. The religion warns against this practice for it is morally inappropriate. Alcohol may easily lead to temptations that may in turn make an individual break the religion’s strict rules it presents its followers. Its consumption in any form is prohibited be it in medical prescriptions, food or as a beverage. The interaction between male and female sexes in Arab religion is always mostly limited to a family basis. The culture considers it inappropriate for a male and female who are not related in any way, by family, marriage or birth to interact. There is also a limiting action against handshakes in any way for it is not right according to the Islamic law. However, several public functions today contribute to social interactions though these guidelines are still followed to preserve the culture. The act of staring at a member of the opposite sex is considered a crime of committing adultery according to the culture therefore there is a dressing code imposed on its members to limit this action. This is the reason why most western fashion that is meant to attract the opposite sex is not practiced among most Arab countries because this is demeaning to the Islam religion and cultural practices. The men of this culture dress from traditional robes o trousers that are designed in a way to allow air circulation keeping the body cool. This is particularly important as most Arab countries are characterized by harsh weather conditions with parts of it having deserts replacing the green vegetation like most tropical climates. Each tribe has got its unique design style to identify it from the other. Women in the fashion section mostly wear limiting clothes to reveal their identity. Most women observe the culture by having clothes that promote full body cover to reduce the act of adultery as they see it important for them to preserve their dignity until marriage. Marriage is highly ranked among the values in the Arabic culture and pressure is often placed on its members especially when they come of age. The philosophy of marriage is often adopted during the child’s birth as it is wished a happy marriage life upon conception. Arab culture is famous for its arranged marriages and this is majorly based on the fact to preserve the families’ wealth. Most evidently, the marriages are always arranged between first cousins because they spend most of their young age getting to know each other, morally and economically. This, according to the western civilization is immoral and not acceptable because they see it as a blood relation marriage. Divorce is often rare among the Arab culture because the bond established earlier during the setting up is often stronger. Women more than men often find it difficult to apply for a divorce settlement because the culture requires the man’s consent in approving this exercise first. Children play a vital role in the Arab culture as they are considered the future of preserving the traditions and beliefs. The family gives high priority to the pregnant women giving them high valued attention and care. An Arab woman is never really considered mature until they have had children. An infertile woman bears the mark of shame and making her be considered an outcast rather than having a medical disability. Children are required to be obedient to their superiors and follow every instruction issued failure of this leading to punishment. Punishment is allowed in the Arab culture to ensure the child grows up to be an outright member of the society. Physical punishment and use of harsh corrective language is generally accepted to achieve the intended purpose of discipline. Qatar is rich with the Arab culture with the rest of population containing other nations that are in the country’s oil industry. Islam is the official religion in Qatar majority of them being Sunni Muslims. Though there is high regards for other cultures and religion, the Islamic practices carry the day with individuals expected to be modest in presentation and language. The laws guiding the Qatar government is known as Wahhabi law following the guidelines laid down by the Islam beliefs (Blanchard, 2008). This law was founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab, who borrowed the set of rules that consider the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah . In Qatar, there exist two different kinds of women’s attire, the first one made for the natives and the other expatriates. Women are required to cover most of their body when are outside from their homes as the religion dictates. The traditional abaya covers the body from top to toe having an ankle length with a high neckline covering even the hair. This type of attention is given to the attire to limit the concentration of the opposite sex, in this case male that may lead to temptations. Any woman who wears inappropriately to display even the slightest of the restricted areas are deemed as morally outright, often called prostitutes. Men in Qatar wear thobe that is characterized by its ankle length and loose nature made from white cotton material and sometimes heavier, made from wool during cold seasons. This attire comes in different designs, the Omanis having the most distinct type. The thobe is designed for most occasions, business or social functions. Qatar being an Arab country situated in the Middle East with Bedouin poetry influencing the culture the country. Arabian food finds its basis on the traditional nomadic cuisine. Mostly, men, specialized cooks prepare the meals following these traditional cooking methods, do cooking in Qatar. The theory of food selection is majorly based on their economic capability and the ingredients available for that meal that is prepared (Qatari Cuisine). Conclusion The Arab culture though diverse and interesting is governed by harsh rules that ensure the preservation of their traditions. Islam as a religion involves several guidelines that drive the actions of the Arabian culture ensuring the tribes are kept in check. This ancient culture has found its influence on modern day Arab countries with the rules extended to the non-Muslim for their main inspiration is decency and respect. Furthermore, I have found that family is the most important entity in this rich culture providing trust and understanding to its members. Works Cited: Blanchard, Christopher. 2008. The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafiyya..fas.org. Web. December 9, 2011. Available at: Hammad, Adnan, Et al. 1999. Guide to Arab Culture:Health Care Delivery to the Arab American Community.accesscommunity.org. Web. December 9, 2011. Available at: Higgins, Justin. 2011. Facts of the Arabic Culture. Ehow.com. Web. December 9, 2011. Available at: Margo, Wilson. 1996. Arabic Speakers: Language and Culture, Here and Abroad. Topics in language Disorders.Vol.16(4). Mikenola. 2002. Understanding Arabic Culture. Freepubic.com. Web. December 9,2011. Available at: Young, Terri. 1999. Arabic Language &Middle East/North African cultural Studies. Indianna.edu. Web. December 9, 2011. Available at: Qatari Cuisine. Recipes Wiki. Web. December 9, 2011. Available at: Read More