Arabian Tradition Beliefs and Custom Group 2

Arabian Tradition,
Beliefs and Custom

Group 2
United Arab Emirates
(UAE)
is a country in West Asia, in the
Middle East. It is located at the
eastern end of the Arabian
Peninsula and shares borders with
Oman and Saudi Arabia. Abu
Dhabi is the nation's capital, while
Dubai, the most populous city, is
an international hub.
Islam is the official religion and

Arabic is the official language.
2
Here is a full list of Arab speaking
Countries:
Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United
Arab Emirates, Western Sahara and Yemen.
3
Religion Beliefs as the foundation of
Arab culture, traditions and customs
• You cannot separate Arab culture from religion.
• Speaking generally, Islam has (and continues to have) an enormous

influence on Arab culture, customs and traditions.
• Arab religious identity is the core of each individual and there is no such
thing as separation of religion and state. Life revolves around one's faith
and its daily outworking (e.g. prayer multiple times a day).
• Muslims are generally fatalistic, which means that everything is "God

willing".
4
• When visiting a mosque, you should remove your shoes, not wear anything
revealing, not walk in front of people when they're praying and refrain from
photography.
• Some Arab countries are also heavily influenced by Christianity and local, pre-
Islamic cultural traditions.
• In most Arab countries, Sharia law is not implemented (most

legal systems are fairly secular), however Islamic law still has a
lot of influence over judicial decisions in Arab society.
5
Arabic Customs
and Traditions
The traditions and customs of Arab cultures have many differences
compared to Western culture. If you are traveling to an Arab country,
knowing certain Arabs custom and tradition will make your visit more
enjoyable. Even if you’re not planning a trip, it is also fun getting educated
about other cultures.
The centrality of
family in Arab
culture
Like many other cultures, family is
extremely important in Arab culture.
• Unlike the more progressive Western world, Arabs make family and children their
highest priority after religion, and traditional gender roles are protected and
revered by most. The father is the head of the family and the final authority on all
matters.
• Beyond the immediate family, Arabs tend to have large, extended families with
many cousins and relatives. Throughout the year, there are many occasions and
events that involve large gatherings where everyone is present.
8
Greetings and Gestures
• Hugging only occurs between close friends.
• Contact between members of the opposite sex in public is considered out of
bounds
• Only use the right hand to eat, touch and present gifts.
• Eye contact during discussions is often long and direct. Long eye contact at
women is considered rude.
• It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member.
• Arabs don’t have rigid schedules. Appearing to be in a hurry while meeting with
an Arab is considered offensive.
• Never point at a person.
• Arabs have a lot less body space than Westerners.
9
Arab values and traditions
o The centrality of family in Arab culture Like many other cultures, (e.g. Mediterranean cultures),
family is extremely important in Arab culture. Arab values and traditions
o Rather than affirming or refusing something, it is common to say "insha'Allah" (God willing).
o Arabs will typically go out of their way to accommodate a request, no matter how difficult it is.
o It's quite common for Arabs to be late, even when a strict time is given. Don't be surprised by
this.
o Arabs are extremely social by nature. Introversion or "alone time" is a mostly foreign concept.
o It is common for a simple, quick errand to turn into a full day out socializing and visiting. Be
prepared to have your day unexpectedly changed at the drop of a hat in Arab culture.
o Humiliation is one of the worst things an Arab person can experience. Never do anything that
may cause shame or embarassment.
o Never, ever take a holy book (Quran or Bible) or other religious item into a toilet or
bathroom.
10
Hospitality and Visits
• Hospitality, friendliness, and generosity to strangers is an expression of sacred
duties.
• When sitting, avoid stretching legs in front of or sitting up higher than others.
• Don’t lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets.
• Double meanings are common in conversations.
• Do not talk loudly.
• The meal is usually at the conclusion to an event.
• Middle Easterners consider it impolite to eat everything on one’s plate.
• Take off your shoes at the entrance and leave them there before going in.
11
Remember!!
When visiting an Arabic country,
this presentation will helps to
know the customs, traditions,
culture and language, it will help
you learn Arabic, to make your
interactions with Arabs more
meaningful and enjoyable.
12
Thank you!
Miss ko na ikaw lods, balik ka na po<33

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Arabian Tradition,

Beliefs and Custom

Islam is the official religion and

• Speaking generally, Islam has (and continues to have) an enormous

• Muslims are generally fatalistic, which means that everything is "God

• In most Arab countries, Sharia law is not implemented (most

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