Arabs in the Middle East are renowned for being masters in the art of welcoming. It is much like a sacred tradition that has been followed throughout centuries. The origin of this habit comes from the willingness to host and feed wayward desert travellers who passed through town. The ultimate purpose of Arab hospitality is to honour a visitor, break the ice, removing the “awkwardness” and nervousness associated with meeting a stranger. The Arabic word ‘karam’, which means generosity, is a crucial aspect of the host’s beliefs. It means that one should treat guests with the utmost kindness and honour, as failing to do so will bring dishonour upon the host.
No matter the time of day or year, hosts follow a specific welcoming practice to ensure that all guests get the same level of kindness. Guests are invited into the inner circle of family and friends to create a welcoming ambience. Perhaps, the most outstanding expression of Middle Eastern hospitality is through food and gifts. Closely associated with the need to maintain relationships, gift-giving is an important part of professional and personal life.
What is Zakat?
While the act of gift-giving in Islam is equivalent to giving charity, these are not the same thing.
Zakat is a form of obligatory charity. It is a mandatory contribution, often considered to be a tax, applicable to all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria. Muslims are required to give away a certain proportion of their wealth each year to charitable causes. It is to benefit a stranger who is needy easing their predicament . Zakat is considered to be a form of worship done to cleanse and increase the blessings on the remainder of the wealth of any Muslim.
What can you give as a gift in the Middle East?
Islamic customs, based on the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, encourage people to offer gifts to one another in order to promote peace and good relations. Arab people place a high importance on food, crafts, and art from various nations. Perfumes and edible presents, such as pastries, chocolates, candies, and cookies, are the most popular gifting options. A box of dates is also frequently given as a traditional Arabic gift. It is highly recommended to offer packaged and easily shared foods as presents.
As every culture has norms about gifts in general, there are some things to consider when exchanging gifts in the Middle East.
• Any meat and meat ingredients used in the making of the gift need to be ‘halal’.
• It is better to avoid any food product which contains pork or pork by-products such as gelatine as it is considered ‘haram’ or forbidden in Islam.
• Alcohol is also strictly forbidden for Muslims, and its use in many places is illegal or controlled.
• It is advisable to not gift gold items or silk clothing to Muslim men as they are restricted from wearing either one.
When is it not appropriate to gift?
Gift-giving is regarded too personal in Arab culture to be shared by men and women who are not part of the family. If a man wants to give a gift to a woman, it is more modest to explain that it came from his wife, mother, or sister. This also works the other way around, where women rarely buy gifts for men, preferring to receive a gift was given by their husband or was intended for the recipient’s wife.
Is there any special way to present a gift?
The act of handing over the gift is important in the Arab world. Gifts are given and accepted with the right hand, not the left. It is better to avoid using the left hand alone as it is considered unclean. However, using both hands while offering and receiving gifts is acceptable.
Can the gift be rejected or refused?
It is up to the recipient to accept or deny the gift. If they do not fully understand the motivation behind the gift or feel uncomfortable while accepting it, then a gift can be rejected while deflecting any direct embarrassment in the best possible way.
Gifts play a major role in fostering relationships and establishing trust. The prophet Muhammad is said to have given and received presents of perfume, clothing, and animals on various occasions. However, food was one of the most common gifts Muhammad gave and received, which is why it has become such a prominent custom in Muslim societies.
Is it necessary to give something in return when receiving a gift?
It is vital to remember that reciprocation is an aspect of gift-giving – it is customary to offer a present of equal or symbolic worth in return. When given a gift in the region, it is highly recommended to repay it in kind at that time, or during the next visit.
Giving presents that represent global culture, particularly edible ones, is well received in the Middle East.
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