Saudi Arabian Family Values, Essay Example

Saudi Arabia is home to modern, sleek cities and highly developed. It covers nearly the entire Arabian Peninsula, and has countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, and Oman has its neighbors. The Saudi Arabian culture is governed by aspects of religion, thus making its study contradictory. Nevertheless, it is necessary for one to understand the cultural aspects of Saudi Arabia, whenever planning to visit, doing business or socializing.

The population of this nation is characterized by cultural homogeneity. This is reflected in their common use of Arabic language, and their adherence to Sunni Wahhabi Islam. Arguably, all this has been incorporated in a political culture that is supported by Saudi monarchy. Indeed the cultural homogeneity of this nation rests on the diffusion of attitudes and values exemplified in the Arabian tribal society and in family.

The family is the most important tool of social institutions in this nation. Generally, the basic function of the family is to identify the status of a person, and the immediate focus of a person’s loyalty, just as it is among those who recognize tribal affiliations. In their culture, families form social alignments with other families whom they share common lifestyles and interests. Family businesses operate on a partnership basis: sons, male cousins, and uncles participate in the welfare of the extended family.

The family structure in Saudi Arabia is basically compatible with the tribal structure lineage. Moreover, families are patrilineal with family boundary membership drawn through male lineage. Relationships among maternal relatives are very crucial. However, a family identity is tied to the father, and children are regarded to belong to the father and not the mother. In its narrowest definition, a family can be defined as compromising of a father, children and his grandchildren through a patrilineal lineage.

Family sanctity in this country follows Islamic rules and regulations. Besides, the family social structure is organized into tribes and clans. By and large, the extended families stay together, and nepotism is highly encouraged. The nation practices gift- giving etiquette, and recipients do not open gifts whenever they receive them (Cox, 6). However, the culture does not allow men to give women flowers, and alcohol is regarded as a bad choice of gift on religious grounds. Accordingly, prophet Mohamed encourages people to practice oral hygiene. In this case, people are encouraged to clean their teeth, whenever in public using a miswak.

Food choices in this nation mimic centuries-old traditions. The common food includes spicy foods made up of rice, chicken, grains and lamb. As a result, the Islamic law continues to dictate the choice and preparation of food as it did 5,000 years ago. Consequently, it prohibits pork, which the Muslim culture considers unclean. On the other hand, lunch is the main meal of the day, while alcohol consumption is highly discouraged. This is in accordance to the religious believes and practices of their country.

The country has national holidays, and Ramadan is the commonest of all. Ramadan marks the holy season of the year, which occasions fasting throughout the day. During this period, drinking, eating, and smoking are prohibited from sunrise to sunset. Consequently, people are not allowed to work for more than six daily. Actually, families are encouraged to break their fasts together at sunset. During this period, markets operate on a reduced schedule; hence tourists should be aware of this when seeking bronze, incense, swords, daggers, brass, and other souvenirs. In addition, Hajji occurs every January in Mecca. During this period, pilgrims flock into this town to observe the solemn Islamic ritual.

On gender issues, the Islamic law prohibits women from revealing their bodies, which signifies respect for the female body. The law prohibits dressing codes that vary from city to city. Nevertheless, the most rigid prohibition is found in Medinah, Mecca, and other holy places. Modern dressing is required among tourists and if ignored, can lead to a stern warning from Mutawwain, who is in this case a religious police. Moreover, women are not required to show any sign of affection or converse with men in public.

Art is a major cultural practice in Saudi Arabia.  For instance, poetry in Saudi Arabia dates back to the pre-Islamic society, and is still popular today. Equally, story telling is a common artistic practice, but has to maintain the Islamic guidelines and rules that govern public performance.

In this society, there is a significant relationship between religion, tribal-family values, and the state power. The society holds moral principles that discourage women from spending their time with a man from outside her family. Moreover, the society discourages women from driving because the Islamic doctrine supports women dignity. The Islamic government is highly encouraged to protect women from the indignity of driving. The government is discouraged from obligating such rules, as these rulings respond to family-tribal values.

In conclusion, the Islamic laws in Saudi Arabia are in full use. In this case, the patrilineal nature of a family is usually taken to be compatible with the Islamic family laws. Moreover, marriages are not taken to be sacrament, but a contact that is signed by witnesses. In this society, husbands are made to pay a specific amount of money to their wife. Furthermore, it might include a consensus for the additional amount of money to be paid in case there is a divorce. Moreover, men are permitted to marry many wives as polygamy is highly encouraged. Sexual modest and chastity is equally highly valued. Women are taken to be responsible for sexual temptations. As a result, separation and veiling of women are considered to be the best mechanism for promoting sexual modest and avoiding fitna. The practice of avoidance ensures that there is a continuous dependency of women on men.

Works Cited

Cox, Frank.  Marriage, the Family, and Its Meaning. London: Cengage Learning, 2008.