The Most Common Questions Asked about the Arab Culture

posted on: Mar 25, 2020

By: Ala Abed-Rabbo/Arab America Contributing Writer

The Arab World is a vivid universe, including multiple nations within its boundaries. Literature, language, cuisine, art, architecture, composition, religion, philosophy, and mysticism are all part of the cultural legacy of the Arabs.

It may be impossible to speak about a group of people without making overviews about them, or by the same gesture, discuss a culture generated by societies without generalizing.

It can be reasoned that the understanding of the Arab culture has been directed in a somewhat careful manner since it draws specific examples as much as possible about the rituals and lifestyle as well as the traits of the Arab community.

Are All Arabs from Saudi Arabia?

“Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.” 

Not every Arab country has the word “Arab” in their names and should not mean that they do not belong as part of the Arab World. Therefore, there are numerous countries across North Africa and Asia that are Arab, such as Tunisia, Somalia, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and many more.

Moreover, there 22 Arab countries and provinces around the world, with the characteristics that tie them together, being that Islam is the leading religion, Arabic is the primary language and heritage that is similar.

Is Islam the Only Religion of All Arabs and Arabic the only Spoken Language?

Not all Arabs are Muslims, and such is a misconception whenever most people think or discuss this matter about the Arab World. There are millions of Arabs that are Christians, Jews, Hanifs, and part of other religions. Other minority faiths are also practiced, such as the Bahá’í Faith and Druze, and Alawites.

Copts, in Egypt, were one of the most influential Christian groups. In addition to Christianity, there are also small groups of religious populations, known as the Yazidis.

Also, there are many spoken dialects within Arab countries. Numerous languages are spoken on the regions of the 22 countries; for instance, Darija – a language people in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia speak as it shares certain similarities with Arabic.

Does Every Arab Marry Young and are Arranged?

Throughout the history of marriage within the Arab World, many practiced the traditional method of doing so, which was portrayed by going along with wedding someone who their parents accepted, as opposed to their own consent.

Prearranged marriages still take place in the Arab World where the first meeting is between the bride, groom, and their mothers or other family members. These days, some men or women introduce their significant other to their families.

Arabs are big on marriage and most parents wait eagerly for the wedding day to come. However, this is not the case for all families within the Arab World. Some Arabs are getting married within their mid-twenties and beyond due to accomplishing their dreams, work, or any personal reasons.

Does Every Arab Man have More than One Wife?

There is a rising faith that all Arab men participate in polygamous marriages. It has grown so much that many consider it to be the norm of marriages in Arab countries and cultures; this is somewhat an infrequent phenomenon.

Moreover, preceding Islam, it was normal for a man to marry more than four women, but Islam limited it to just four on one condition that all be regarded perfectly evenly. Since this is impractical, the perception of marrying more than one wife has gradually decreased and even forbidden in some Arab countries, such as Tunisia.

Do All Arabs Dress the Same Way?

The Arab World is a variegated and colorful one when it comes to outfits and attires for both men and women where local traditions and Western fashion blend. The Arab wear can be seen from northern Syria to North Africa to the Arab Gulf States.

Each of the 22 Arab countries has its distinctive customary dressing. For example, Arab women’s wear is classy, trendy, and varied due to the long unique social heritage. Some dresses like Abaya and Thobe are shared among several countries but have some different local representations, while others are exclusive depending on the country of origin.

Also, embroidery is the main factor in most Arab clothes. It is defined by the woman’s nature, customs, legacy, religious beliefs, and a statue of her community, in addition to her taste.

Dazzled by the artistic fashion and tradition, many modern Arab fashion designers are seeking to transform and reinvent the old-style vogue. They keep in mind, respecting their values and culture and staying true to the typical design characteristics while combining their approach to the stylish pieces they are creating.

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