Middle East and North Africa: Culture

Some of the official MENA Languages:

• Arabic
• English
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Persian
• Turkish
• Kurdish

Did you know that there are different and distinct Arabic dialects spoken in different parts of the Arab world? Some may even consider them entirely different languages, particularly the dialects in the North African region (aside from Egyptian). Standard Arabic is not commonly used on an everyday basis but some Arabs will learn to use it to be able to communicate with other Arabs who are unfamiliar with their dialect. Below is a map that indicates the regions that each dialect is most commonly spoken.

Language fun facts:

• Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Kurdish are all read from right to left.
• Arabic is the most spoken language in the Middle East.
• Arabic is the second most challenging language to learn for English-speakers.
• Arabic is the language that the Quran was revealed in.
• Arabic script is used for Arabic as well as other languages, including Persian, Kurdish, and Urdu. (Arabic script shown below)

• The traditions of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), called Hadith, are regarded highly and followed by Muslims in the region.
  • These traditions were passed down through word of mouth and are followed based on their chain of narration.
  • Hadith range from religious contexts such as how to pray and religious advice to everyday things like etiquette and good hygiene. 
• Religion heavily influences the laws and customs of the region.

Medicine:

• Shared meals are valued and it is important to gather for a meal, whether family, friends, coworkers, or other community members.
  • This can be seen during Ramadan, when Muslims throughout the region will invite their family, friends, and neighbors to join them in breaking their fast.
• Hospitality is an important part of Arab culture and therefore can be seen throughout the region.
• The traditional dining setting in the MENA region includes (This may differ across cultures):
  • (A sufra) Laid out newspapers, a cloth, or short table on which food is served so people can eat while seated on the floor.
  • Women and men dining separately, unless they are close family.
  • Little or no utensils as most will eat with the three fingers--index, middle and thumb--of their right hand.
• Types of food that are or are not consumed in the region:
  • Due to religious influences:
    • ​​​​​​​The majority of restaurants and grocery stores comply with halal guidelines
      • The sale and consumption of pig meat and alcohol is banned in parts of the MENA region.
  • Coffee and tea are commonly served and will often accompany meals.​​​​​​​

• The major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all originated in the region.
• Islam is the largest religion in the MENA region. However, there are other religious communities and they are not uncommon.
• Not all Arabs are Muslim.
• The city of Jerusalem is considered holy by followers of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faith. Traditionally, Jews face Jerusalem for prayer.
• Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and it is where Muslims go to perform pilgrimage. It is where the Masjid Al Haram is located, the mosque that surrounds the Kaabah, which Muslims face for prayer.

Holidays and Celebrations:

While holidays like Christmas and Easter are celebrated by Christians in the region, Muslim holidays and traditions dominate the region.

• Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: The sighting of the crescent moon signifies the start of a new month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. When the moon is sighted at that time of year, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown for the entire duration of the month. The sighting of the next crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. The first day of Shawwal is Eid Al-Fitr, or the festival of breaking the fast.
• Hajj: In the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Arafa: On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, it is believed that this verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Surah al Maa'idah 5:3)
  • It is the second day of Hajj
  • It is the day before Eid Al-Adha
  • Muslims who aren't performing Hajj fast on this day as it is considered the day of repentance and the day when supplications are answered
• Eid Al-Adha: Festival of the Sacrifice. Muslims sacrifice an animal to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son according to God's command. In Islamic belief, when the Prophet Ibrahim went to sacrifice his son, he was provided with a lamb to sacrifice instead by God, due to his obedience. During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice an animal and divide it's meat into three portions, a portion they keep for themselves, a portion goes to family and friends, and a portion they distribute to the poor and needy. 

• The clothing of people in the MENA ranges based on region, religion, and culture.
•  Traditionally, women and men will wear clothing that covers their body. Some Examples:
  • Thobes are full length loose-fitting garments for men.
  • Abayas are full length loose-fitting garments for women.
  • A Keffiyah or Shmagh and Agal is a head-dress for men, worn differently across the region. (Some shown below)
  • A shayla or khimar are among the various types of head coverings worn by women (some shown above). Modernly known as hijabs.
    • Hijab actually means "cover", and is used to refer to the Islamic Modesty Guidelines.
  • These outfits have both religious, cultural and practical reasons. The religious reason is according to the Islamic guidelines that men and women should observe modesty, in clothing and character. The practical reason is to keep cool and protect from the sun.
• In less conservative regions, men and women will wear more western outfits such as jeans and shirts