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aboslman
#508725 Fri, 02 May 08 10:23 PM
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Each of us is molded by whatever culture in which we grew up. As we grow and mature, we naturally become used to the style of dress, the types of food, hygiene, and the general cultural norms of our environment. By the time we are adults, we have become molded to the customs and lifestyles of the people of our own country. However, anyone who has moved from their own country to another country will notice many cultural differences. These differences can be minor, but many can be dramatically significant. However, as is commonly known, Arabia's culture derives from writings of the Holy Book. The richness of its language is without comparison and it is the fountainhead of Arabia's culture and faith. The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades. The Saudi people have taken their values and traditions, hospitality and even their style of dress and adapted them to the modern world. In my opinion, the most important images of our country is our Islamic culture and Saudi people hospitality.
The introduction of Islam to the Arabian heartland in the seventh century AD further strengthened the region's cultural heritage. Within a century, Islam spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and as far east as the Indian subcontinent and China. With Makkah as its core, the Islamic world witnessed a flowering of culture, the sciences and the arts unparalleled in human history. Every year for the past fourteen centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah, helping further enrich the culture of the people of the peninsula. Meanwhile, Islam is practiced by all Saudis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and thus is visited by millions of Muslims every year. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion. Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday. During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.
The ancient Arabian tradition of hospitality that developed continues unchanged to the present day. How well one treats one's guests is a direct measurement of what kind of person he or she is. The simplest expression of hospitality is coffee its preparation alone is an intricate cultural tradition, and it is often served in small cups along with dates and sweets. Another gesture of hospitality is the burning of incense (oud) to welcome guests. It is common practice to allow for an extra portion while cooking a meal, in order to be prepared for an unexpected guest. When a meal is over, there should always be a good portion of food left over otherwise one might think that a guest had not been fully satisfied. To a Saudi Arabian, entertaining is joyous and it is considered an honor if a guest can be persuaded to remain for another meal. The guest would respond with a gift for the host. Hospitality is at its peak here in Mina. And this has been the case for more than 1,400 years, within the Quraysh tribe, clans developed guilds around three major types of Haj-related hospitality: Siqayah, supplying free water, often cooled in earthenware jugs; Rifadah, feeding pilgrims without charge or at only modest cost; and Sidanah, the cleaning and maintenance of the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque.
In conclusion, we have agreed that the most images which represent Saudi culture are our Islamic culture and people hospitality. Despite the great pace of growth the Kingdom has witnessed over the last two decades, traditional culture and social values have been maintained steadfastly and the rich heritage of the Kingdom protected and enhanced. The strict observance of religious and moral values adopted by all Saudis will ensure that the continuity of their cultural heritage will not be diminished in the future .
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Joined on
Sat, Apr 19 2008
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