The Arabic culture stands as a captivating blend of history, values, traditions, and practices that have evolved over millennia. Spanning the vast and diverse landscape of the Arab world, this rich cultural heritage is a source of identity and pride for millions. From language and religion to art, cuisine, and social norms, Arabic culture and traditions is a mosaic of influences that have shaped the lives of people across the Middle East and North Africa.
Language and Calligraphy
Arabic is a Semitic language that belongs to the Afroasiatic language family. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and the official language of 27 states. It is also the language of Islam, as Muslims believe that God revealed the Quran in Arabic to Prophet Muhammad. Arabic has many dialects that vary from region to region, such as Egyptian Arabic, Gulf Arabic, Maghrebi Arabic, and Levantine Arabic. Some of these dialects are not mutually intelligible, but they all share a common root in classical Arabic. Arabic is written from right to left in an abjad script, which means that it only represents consonants and long vowels. Arabic has influenced many other languages, such as English, with words like sugar, cotton, magazine, and algebra.
Arabic calligraphy is a form of art that has been practiced for more than 2,000 years in the Arab world. It is based on the Arabic language, which is spoken by more than 420 million people and is one of the official languages of the United Nations. Arabic language and culture have a rich and diverse history that spans from southwest Asia to northwest Africa. Arabic calligraphy has been used to write religious texts, such as the Qur'an, as well as to decorate buildings, books, and other objects. Arabic calligraphy has many different styles and scripts, each with its characteristics and aesthetics. Some of the most common scripts are Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Nastaliq. Arabic calligraphy is not only a way of writing, but also a way of expressing the beauty and spirituality of the Arabic culture.
Family and Social Structure
Arabic family and social structure are important aspects of Arab culture. According to Arab America, the family is the primary concern and the central social security system for the elderly and young people in Arab societies. Parents take care of their children well into their adult lives, and children reciprocate by taking responsibility for their parents as they age. Marriage is both a family and an individual matter, and it is considered a social and financial contract between the two families.
The family honor and name are highly valued, and all matters of the family remain private. Children are respected as they provide parents with higher societal status, drive in life, and connections within the family structure. Children are also expected to respect their elders, obey their parents, be dedicated to their family, and prove devoutness to their parents. The elderly are valued for their life experiences, knowledge, and hierarchic position.
The Arab family structure is mostly patriarchal and built on an extended family system spanning three or more generations. This expanded structure provides constancy, physical and emotional support, predominantly in times of need. It is beneficial to recognize the structure of these generations within a family, the grandparents, parents, and children. In some Arab households, it is acceptable to marry more than one wife; this may generate complex family dynamics.
Hospitable Traditions
Arabic hospitality is a sacred tradition that reflects the generosity and honor of the host. It is based on the Qur'an , which commands Muslims to offer charity and kindness to travelers, relatives, friends, and the poor. It also follows the example of the Prophet Muhammad, who welcomed guests in his mosque and house for three days.
Arabic hospitality involves greeting guests outside the house, escorting them to the finest sitting room, serving them tea or coffee with dates, and providing them with an abundance of food and entertainment. The host does not accept any refusal or rejection from the guest, as this would bring shame and dishonor. The guest is treated as a temporary member of the family and is guaranteed protection from harm. Arabic hospitality is a way of honoring guests and breaking the ice, as well as expressing faith and gratitude to God.
Islamic Traditions and Rituals
Islam is a major world religion that originated in Arabia in the 7th century CE. The Arabic word "Islam" means "surrender" or "submission" to the will of God, who is called Allah in Arabic. Muslims are those who follow the teachings of Islam and the prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last and final messenger of God. Islam has many traditions and rituals that are practiced by Muslims around the world, especially in Arab countries where Islam is the predominant religion. Some of these traditions and rituals are:
Ablution: Before performing certain rituals, such as the daily prayers, Muslims are expected to perform a form of purification, known as ablution or "wudu" in Arabic. This involves washing the hands, face, arms, and feet with water.
Prayer: Muslims are required to pray five times a day, facing the direction of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The prayers are performed at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night, and consist of reciting verses from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and praising Allah. The prayers are done individually or in congregations at mosques, which are places of worship for Muslims.
Fasting: During the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. This is done to purify the body and soul and to empathize with the poor and needy. Muslims also engage in charity, self-reflection, and spiritual activities during this month.
Zakat: Zakat is a form of obligatory charity that Muslims pay annually to support the poor, the needy, orphans, travelers, and other causes. Zakat is calculated as a percentage of one's wealth and assets and is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Hajj: Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar and involves performing various rites and rituals around the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that is believed to be built by Abraham and his son Ishmael as a house of worship for God. Hajj is a demonstration of unity, equality, and submission to God among Muslims.
These are some of the main practices and rituals of Islam that are observed by Muslims in Arab countries and elsewhere. Islam is a religion that emphasizes monotheism, morality, and social justice and has a rich and diverse history and culture.
Art, Music, and Literature
Arabic art is not limited to religious themes but also includes secular and cultural expressions of various peoples and regions that adopted Islam or were influenced by it. Arabic art is diverse and rich, reflecting the historical, geographical, and social diversity of the Islamic world. Some of the main characteristics of Arabic art are:
The use of calligraphy, or the art of beautiful writing, as a major form of artistic expression. Calligraphy is often used to write verses from the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, or other religious texts, but also to decorate objects, buildings, and manuscripts. Calligraphy can be written in different scripts, such as Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, and Maghrebi, and can be combined with geometric or floral motifs to create complex patterns.
The development of arabesque, or the art of interlacing vegetal and geometric forms, as a distinctive style of ornamentation. Arabesque is derived from the Arabic word for "plant", and reflects the Islamic belief in the unity and harmony of nature. Arabesque can be found in various media, such as ceramics, textiles, metalwork, woodwork, and architecture. Arabesque can also be influenced by local traditions and styles, such as Persian, Turkish, or Moorish.
The appreciation of color, texture, light, and space as essential elements of artistic expression. Arabic art is known for its vibrant colors, often obtained from natural sources such as minerals, plants, or insects. It also uses different techniques to create texture and contrast, such as glazing, stucco, mosaic, or luster. Arabic art also pays attention to the effects of light and shadow, especially in architecture, where windows, domes, arches, and vaults create dynamic patterns of illumination. It also explores the concept of space, both physical and spiritual, by creating open courtyards, gardens, fountains, and niches that invite contemplation and meditation. Some examples are:
- The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (built in 691 CE,) is one of the earliest and most famous examples of Islamic architecture. The dome is covered with gold and decorated with mosaics and calligraphy that express the Islamic faith and praise God.
- The Taj Mahal in Agra (built between 1632 and 1653 CE,) is a mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic styles. The Taj Mahal is also adorned with marble inlay work, calligraphy, arabesque, and floral motifs that create a stunning visual effect.
Arabic music is the music of the Arab world with all its diverse styles and genres. Arabic countries have many rich and varied musical traditions and also many linguistic dialects, with each country and region having its unique sound. Some of the most famous Arabic musicians are Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Abdel Halim Hafez, Khaled, Nancy Ajram, Amr Diab, and Saad Lamjarred.
Music is the universal language of emotion, and Arabic music excels in conveying feelings that transcend words. Deeply entwined with poetry, it's a canvas for artists to express love, joy, sorrow, and longing. The concept of "tarab" embodies the emotional euphoria inspired by Arabic music, allowing listeners to connect on a profound level. Arabic music is an integral part of celebrations, infusing weddings, festivals, and gatherings with infectious energy. The rhythmic beats inspire traditional dances like dabke, forging connections and uniting people in joyful festivities.
While rooted in tradition, Arabic music has gracefully embraced modernity. Contemporary artists blend traditional elements with modern production techniques, creating an engaging fusion that appeals to multiple generations. This evolution keeps the music relevant while honoring its heritage.
Arabic literature is a rich and diverse field of artistic expression that spans over 15 centuries and many regions of the world. It encompasses various genres, such as poetry, prose, drama, and criticism, written in the Arabic language. The term adab, which means "politeness" or "culture," is often used to refer to this literature, as it reflects the aesthetic and didactic values of the Arab-Islamic civilization. Arabic literature has been translated into many languages, especially English, and has influenced and been influenced by other literary traditions, such as Persian, Turkish, French, and English. Some of the most famous Arabic writers include Ibn al-ʿArabī, al-Ghazālī, Ameen Rihani, Naguib Mahfouz, and Mahmoud Darwish.
Traditional Costume
One of the most common forms of Arabic traditional costume is the abaya, which is worn by women in many parts of the Arab world. The abaya is a long, loose-fitting dress that covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands. It is usually made of black or dark-colored fabric and can be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long kaftan. The abaya is a symbol of modesty and cultural identity and can be worn with a headscarf, called a hijab, and a face veil, called a niqab, which covers all but the eyes.
Some women also wear long black gloves to cover their hands. The abaya is influenced by Islamic teachings, which stipulate that body areas that are sexual must be hidden from public view. However, some Muslim women also choose to wear other forms of clothing, such as Western-style dresses or pants, depending on their personal preference and social context.
For men, there are some common types of Arabic dress, for example:
The thobe, also known as dishdasha or kandourah, is a long, loose-fitting robe that reaches the ankles and has long sleeves. It is usually white or light-colored, but can also be found in other colors such as black, blue, or green. The thobe is worn by men across the Arab world, especially in the Gulf countries. It is often paired with a headscarf called ghutra or shemagh, which can be white or checkered in red/white or black/white. The ghutra is secured by a rope band called egal, which is optional. Some men also wear a cloak called bisht over the thobe for formal occasions or religious ceremonies.
The shalwar kameez is a two-piece outfit consisting of a long tunic called kameez and loose trousers called shalwar. It is worn by men in the Indian subcontinent, especially in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as by some Arab communities such as the Yemenis and the Iraqis. The shalwar kameez can be made of cotton, silk, or wool, and can have various patterns and colors. It is usually worn with headgear such as a turban, a cap, or a keffiyeh.
The keffiyeh is a square or rectangular scarf that is wrapped around the head and neck in various ways. It is worn by men in many parts of the Middle East, especially in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It is usually made of cotton and can have different colors and patterns, such as black/white, red/white, green/white, or solid colors. The keffiyeh can be worn as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, Islamic identity, or cultural heritage.
The djellaba is a long, loose-fitting outer robe or dress with full sleeves that is worn by men and women in the Maghreb region of North Africa, such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. It is usually made of wool or cotton and can have various colors and designs. It has a hood that can be pulled over the head for protection from the sun or cold. The djellaba is often worn with a fez hat and slippers for casual or festive occasions.
Culinary Heritage
Arabic culinary heritage is a rich and diverse one, influenced by the geography, history, and religion of the region. The cuisine spans many countries and cultures, from Morocco and Egypt to Iran and Turkey, and beyond. Some of the common features of Arabic cuisine are the use of fragrant spices, nuts, olive oil, and creamy elements, such as yogurt and cheese. Spices are often blended into mixtures, such as baharat and ras el hanout, to create unique flavors and aromas.
Baharat and Ras El Hanout. (Photo: thishealthytable.com / spiceandlife.com)
Lamb, mutton, goat, and chicken are the main meats, while pork is avoided by Muslims and Jews. Wheat, barley, rice, chickpeas, fava beans, and dates are some of the staple crops and fruits. Bread is a ubiquitous element of Arabic meals, often served with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. Fermentation is also an ancient technique that has been used to make bread, cheese, yogurt, pickles, and alcohol. Arabic cuisine has been shaped by the exchange of goods and culture with other regions, as well as by religious practices and festivals, such as Ramadan.
In Conclusion
Arabic culture and traditions are a testament to the enduring power of history and identity. Rooted in the Arabic language, Islamic faith, and a strong sense of community, these cultural elements continue to shape the lives of millions across the Arab world. From familial bonds to artistic achievements, Arabic culture's influence is felt both within its borders and on a broader world. Embracing and understanding this culture paves the way for mutual respect and deeper connections in an increasingly globalized society.
See more: Being Arab: What We Are - What We're Not | Arabic Culture and Traditions