More Customs
BURIAL PRACTICES
Islam specifically defines the rules of burial practices and the way in which graves are constructed.
The cemeteries are usually fenced and the graves are constructed in the typical way, specifically defined by the rules of Islam. One grave is indicated for a single burial only. It is shaped by stones and raised 10-30cm from the ground to prevent anyone from walking over it, which is forbidden in Islam. Larger slabs are placed vertically at both ends additionally indicate the burial place. Usually, the graves are left unmarked, although the modern Islamic cemeteries often have grave monuments. All the graves are aligned on a northeast to southwest axis. A body wrapped in linen is laid inside on its right side with the head facing Mecca. Lavish displays in burial practices are discouraged in Islam, as it is believed that money would be better spent on helping the needy. The body should be buried before the sunrise or within 24 hours from the death, and the graveside service should be attended only by men. Official mourning lasts three days, and it is a time devoted to remembering the deceased and reading passages from the Qur’an.
NAMES
Arabic names differ to those in the Western countries, where usually the name consists of a first name and a family name, with sometimes a middle name in between. The Arabic names usually have three elements, for example: Mohammed bin Ali Al Shamsi. Mohammed is equivalent to the first name, bin Ali means ‘son of Ali’, while Al Shamsi is a family name. Sometimes, an Arab can be called by a name that refers to his eldest son, for example: Abu Ahmed, meaning ‘farther of Ahmed’. Same rule applies to the mothers, Umm Ahmed, means ‘mother of Ahmed’.
In case of females, the word bint is applied, instead of bin, which means ‘daughter of’. What is more, the Muslim wife keeps her maiden name without adding her husband’s name to hers.
Arabic first names often symbolized goodness and beauty and often are inspired by the Qur’an (e.g. Mohammed or Jibril) or the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Ibrahim or Miriam). Male Arabic names are often prefixed with abd meaning ‘servant of’, for example Abdullah. The most common Arabic names include: Mohammed (also spelt Mohamed, Muhammad), Ali, Hassan, Ibrahim, Abdul, Fatima, Ashia, or Iman.
As a foreigner in the UAE, when addressing a person you should use simple Mr/Mrs or a title, if he or she has one, and then the person’s fist name, unless you are asked to use just first name.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Although today a modern pharmaceutical industry is largely taking care of health issues in the UAE, herbs continue to be used as a remedy against many diseases and viruses. Herbal medicine has been applied as a form of treatment in the Arabic Peninsula since ancient times and later it was consolidated by the teachings of Islam. The knowledge about medical properties of local plants was passed on from generation to generation. Religion has also played a big role in traditional medicine and some of the faith-based cures (e.g. use of ‘blessed water’) continue to be practiced today. A method of cupping to draw blood, known as hijama, and body massage has often been applied during treatments.
THE EVIL EYE
The belief in the ‘evil eye’ (a curse), which is common in many cultures around the world, is also strongly rooted in the Arab traditions. The source of ‘evil eye ‘is envy of others good fortune. If someone gives you the ‘evil eye’, it means he or she wishes you bad luck. Even though, the evil eye is often given viciously, it can also be given without realizing it. Therefore in the UAE, if you are complimented, to ward off the ‘evil eye’, you are supposed to say: Masha’ Allah, which means ‘whatever Good wills’.
WASTA
Wasta is a well-known concept in the Arabic world. It means having connections and influence. Basically, having wasta can speed up procedures at offices and can result in special treatments.