Communication
12 November 24
INTRODUCTION
Arabs give a lot of importance to hospitality. They treat each other with respect and warmth. It is the culture of the Arabs to be generous and helpful. Their practice of sharing makes one another closer and makes them overcome hatred and fear. The importance of hospitality as a part of Arab culture makes the society notably united and is an example for respecting humanity.
ARABIAN CULTURE
The most fascinating culture of the Arabs is to live in a state of unity and having a helpful attitude towards one another. They are very generous and also expect the same. They embrace humanity and live in harmony irrespective of their diversities. Showing hospitality is considered as a sacred duty and is honorable .The reason for this outstanding feature is that Arab Bedouins who were travelling nomads in the deserts were helpful and showed concern to one another to overcome enemies as well as hunger and thirst. This became a custom to all the Arabs in the course of time. Their behavior will not hurt or make a person feel any discomfort even with strangers. They have a practice of sharing whatever they eat or drink .Arabs will initially refuse when they are offered something but it is a practice to make them take after they refuse a few times. Their generosity is present in the society and is expected to be followed by all.
ARABS AND THEIR FOOD
Arabs are very generous in serving food for their guests. Every occasion has a special food .The month of Ramadan displays a lot of varieties. Guests are given a big spread of food when invited to their home. Their homes have couches close to the floor which is used for sitting .The seating is arranged in such a way that no one faces the back of the other. Traditional Arab coffee made from ground beans and cardamom is served in small cups. Coffee is made without adding sugar or milk. To respect their hospitality it is required to accept a cup. However any amount will be served till the guests shows that they don’t need more. Some of the special food of the Arabs is roasted meats, Arab bread, rice and kebabs. The staple grain is wheat and rice and is used in bread, pastries, salads and other dishes. Most often the vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, and spinach are used. Olive oil is mostly used. Lamb and mutton are widely used. Stuffed lamb is served on special occasions. Some of the other dishes are Hummus, which is made of garbanzo beans, sesame seed paste, and lemon garlic. Another dish called Falafel is a vegetable burger made of chick peas, onion, potato and flour. Many other recipes like taboula, warak davali and baklawa for example are the ones that most people have heard of. The generous amount of food that is laid for the guest shows the hospitality of the host. He also feeds the guest to the maximum.
THE EXTENT OF HOSPITALITY
Hospitality is not limited to individual homes alone but is a part of Arabian culture to the extent that a guest is given all help from food to accommodation as well as making arrangements for their comfort till they leave. The reason for their hospitality is due to the hardships they experienced in hostile environments with minimum contact with humans. So the Arabs follow the tradition that every man has to provide for a stranger whether he is rich or poor.
At some villages the church provided for a traveler free of cost. Hospitality is shown differently in different parts of the country. Though it depends on the means of the host, most times it is considered to be more than what they can afford. The most common thing is that the efforts of the host are to make the guest feel honored at his home. The people are generous and polite. They are always willing to help and take great effort to make even strangers comfortable. Values of life like respecting, caring, and following religion is given importance. Generosity is a habit for the Arabs. It is said that an Arab will give away even his belongings to those who show their liking to it. Food is provided in plenty and is forced to eat more than required. Good eating shows that the hospitality is appreciated.
CONCLUSION
In a society the need for hospitality is important as it reduces conflicts. The Arabs have a unique way of showing hospitality which makes even strangers comfortable in their country. As it has become a habit of the people it is practiced in the society to help one another which makes them live in harmony. To be treated with kindness and respect is the expectation of every individual and that is the most admired virtues of the Arabs. The hospitality of the Arabs is definitely something to be experienced .This makes a person understand human values and create a better society.
