What do Arabs look like? Arab woman: lifestyle, clothing, appearance

Christians in North America are often confused by the relationship between the religion of Islam and the ethnic identity of Muslims. This confusion comes in two forms. The first concerns the relationship between the religious Muslim and Arab ethnic components. The second concerns the depth to which religious Muslim identity has penetrated the ethnic identities of all Muslim groups of people.

If Christians want to understand their Muslim neighbors (locally and globally), love them as Christ commanded, and effectively spread the Gospel to them, then we need to be aware of how they understand themselves.

"Arab" and "Muslim"

The concepts “Arab” and “Muslim” are not synonymous. Muslims are followers of the religion of Islam. Arabs are an ethnic-linguistic group of people, most of whom are Muslims in religion, but many who do not profess Islam. Their roots are in the Arabian Peninsula, but in the 7th and 8th centuries they burst into the world around them with impressive conquests that followed the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD. Over the course of 100 years, they moved west through North Africa and Spain, and reached the south of France. To the east, the Arabs conquered the Persian Empire and entered what is now Pakistan and Central Asia. They did this as followers of Islam, but also ethnically, linguistically and culturally as Arabs. From the beginning, these Muslim Arabs lived as a ruling minority throughout much of their empire. Most of the people they conquered spoke other languages ​​(such as Aramaic, Coptic, Berber and Persian) and practiced other religions (Christianity in the west and Zoroastrianism in the east).

After some time, however, they began dual processes Islamization and Arabization, which occurred in different regions differently, unevenly. Egypt, North Africa and the Aramaic-speaking Middle East became virtually entirely Arabic in language and Muslim in religion. In places like Iraq, Syria, Libya and Egypt, significant minorities have clung to their historical Christian identities. Thus, today in each of these countries there are communities of people who are regarded ethnically and linguistically as Arabs, but are adherents of ancient Christian communities: the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, the Maronite Catholic Church in Lebanon, the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church in Palestine, the Eastern and Syriac Orthodox Churches in Syria, and the Chaldean Catholic and Assyrian Orthodox Churches in Iraq. These groups found themselves caught between two fires in the clashes that plagued these countries in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Chaoyue PAN – Coptic Good Friday Mass

The historical Christian population in the Middle East has declined sharply in the past few decades as Christians have been killed or forced to flee. For example, a large proportion of the population of Palestine was historically Christian in the early 20th century, but Israel does not separate them from Palestinian Muslims, and many have fled their homelands. Likewise, the Assyrian and Chaldean believers of Iraq fled en masse from Saddam Hussein's regime. But since the regime was overthrown, they have again become a target, now for various Islamic groups, and many have had to flee. A significant percentage of the Arab population in the United States belongs to one of the ancient Eastern churches (hence they are not Muslims), and the Patriarch of the Assyrian Orthodox Church currently lives in Chicago.

On the other hand, many other peoples under Islamic rule became Muslims but never became Arabs. In the Middle East itself, the Persians (Iranians), Kurds and Turks are, for the most part, Muslims. But they do not consider themselves Arabs and do not speak Arabic. Moreover, most of the world's Muslim population lives in countries where Arabic is not spoken: Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, among several others.

The majority of Muslims in the world are not linguistically or ethnically Arab.

Arab Center

And yet, the influence of Arabs on these non-Arab Muslims is enormous. The Koran was written in Arabic and only the Koran in the original language is regarded by true Muslims. The prayers that Muslims recite five times a day are recited in Arabic, and it does not matter whether the person praying understands this language or not. Hadith and all authoritative documents of Islamic law were written in Arabic. Muslims South-East Asia who do not know Arabic still give their children Arabic names. It is true that most of the communities living in the neighborhood of the Arab world (Turks, Persians, Kurds and Berbers) have something of a mixed love-hate feeling towards the Arabs, often expressing their superiority or hostility towards them. Until now, this influence is very strong, and the Muslim world is inextricably linked with the Arab world.

And here the second, widespread but erroneous idea plays a role. Residents North America tend to regard religious identity as private and personal. It is true that we still think in stereotypes: Poles and Italians are typical Catholics, southern states The USA is Protestant. Jewish families sometimes children who convert to Christianity will be abandoned. However, in general, religion is seen as a matter of choice, and this issue is kept away from public opinion. A person can have no religious identity and still be an American. In much of the Muslim world, however, the exact opposite view is considered correct. Islam is part of their ethnic identity. To be Turkish, Persian or Malaysian or a member of another Muslim group of people is to be a Muslim. You can try to stop being a Turk or a Persian, but not a former Muslim, from an Islamic point of view. As a Muslim, you don't even have to follow all the rules of your religion exactly, but you cannot leave Islam.

To join another religion is to commit ethnic and cultural treason, and it is to cut yourself off from the ties to your family and community that form the basis of your identity. This is one of the greatest challenges facing Christians who share the gospel with Muslims. Islam does not divide religion, culture and politics into different areas, but considers them as an indivisible whole. For this reason, evangelism and ministry to Muslims is regarded as a political and cultural provocation, as well as a religious threat.

Our answer

What should Christians do with this knowledge?

(1) Do not mistake every Arab you meet for a Muslim. They may be, but they may also be members of one of the ancient Middle Eastern Christian churches.

(2) Do not mistake every Muslim you meet for an Arab. Most Muslims are not Arabs and they will appreciate that you know and understand the difference.

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(3) Understand that for many Muslims, Islam is a religion that they practice using a language they do not know. And their commitment to it is based more on ethnic identity, cultural practices and family ties than on theological understanding.

(4) Realize the price Muslims must pay to follow Jesus. They not only face high probability external persecution, they also face feelings of familial, cultural and ethnic betrayal from those closest to them, causing a drastic revolution in the understanding of their own identity. Jesus must be exalted as something in highest degree valuable, for the price that is worth paying for it.

The fate of Arab women, their makeup. The most beautiful and famous women in the United Arab Emirates.

IN Lately European women are very attracted to the prospect of becoming a Muslim by marrying an Emirati. The fact is that the average income of men in this country significantly exceeds the income of Russians. Therefore, it is not surprising that many women strive to provide for themselves in this way.

The most interesting thing is that there are a lot of myths around the existence of Arab women. For example, that a representative of the fair sex should wear only a burqa. This is actually not true. On the streets of the Emirates you can meet many local women wearing jeans, tunics and open sandals. At the same time, the tradition of covering the head has been preserved. All women wear headscarves.

There are many myths about family law in the Emirates that a woman does not have the right to express her opinion. Actually this is wrong. Many universities are open to Arab women and many of them are doing well in their professions. Although, of course, family and children still come first. It is believed that the more children, the happier the family.

The most strange fact is that the bride does not choose her groom. In general, the family of the bride and groom agree among themselves. At the same time, it is profitable to give birth to girls, since the bride price can be several thousand dollars. That is, the bride has no say in choosing her husband. However, many couples now date before marriage, but only in the presence of family members. Therefore, if communication does not work out, then the wedding will not take place.

Regarding polygamy, in the United Arab Emirates it is allowed to have 4 wives. But now it is rather the privilege of sheikhs and oligarchs. Most Arab men are married to one woman. But if a wife catches her husband cheating, then it’s better to remain silent. Since her husband can kick her out of the house. At the same time, most likely, the woman will not marry again because of gossip.

After 40 years, Arab women lose their attractiveness, which cannot but upset their husbands. This is why some men find a younger second wife. But this does not mean at all that old wife will be thrown out. According to local laws, the husband must provide for all wives equally. If a woman feels that she is being discriminated against, she has the right to sue.

Many Russian women believe that Arab women are narrow-minded and uneducated. This is not true at all. These are well-mannered people who know how to present themselves. At the same time, many of them graduate from European universities and remain to work in Europe. Some of them return to their homeland, but settle down well in business. Many Arab women work as doctors, politicians and lawyers.

Nowadays the traditions in the United Arab Emirates have weakened a little, as many programs of a sexual nature are shown on TV. Experts predict that there will soon be a sexual revolution in the country. After all, there are now a decent number of homosexual couples in the Emirates who no longer want to hide their preferences. That is why attitudes towards women are also changing. Recently they have become more independent and independent.

How do Arab women dress, what do they wear?

It all depends on the country. The most liberal views can be considered in Lebanon, Tunisia and Kuwait. In these countries, women look like Europeans. They wear dresses, jeans and don't even cover their heads with a headscarf.

The Emirates have stricter views. Here the woman must wear a headscarf or hijab on her head. But in most cases, women wear the burqa and veil, not because of tradition, but for reasons of practicality. It's very hot and windy in the Emirates strong wind, raising sand. Therefore, completely closed clothing protects from the scorching sun and dust. To Dubai and big cities women prefer a black burqa, decorating it with stones and beads. The well-being of the family can be judged by the decoration of the veil. In the provinces they wear veils of different colors, including quite variegated ones.

The well-known Aliexpress platform also sells clothes milking oriental women. It's quite attractive

The assortment is pleasing, as here you can find outfits for both young people and mature women.

What do Arab women swim in, what do they wear on the beach, what kind of swimsuits do they wear?

Now on many beaches in Arab countries There are women's days. It is on these days that only women with small children swim in the sea. But of course, on an ordinary day no one will forbid a woman to swim.

Of course, Arab women are prohibited from swimming in a bikini. They are forced to swim in a veil or burqa. But more recently, Burkini swimsuits have appeared, which in our country could be considered an independent outfit. These are pantaloons or leggings and a knee-length dress. The head must be covered with a scarf. This swimsuit resembles a diver's suit, only with a skirt. These swimsuits look quite stylish.

In general, thanks to such social networks Like Instagram, many women in our country became aware of the lives of women in Arab countries. Moreover, in some countries, such as Lebanon and Tunisia, young girls wear open clothes and swim on the beach in a bikini. Outwardly, Arab women are not much different from European women. They have expressive dark eyes and eyebrows. Body type depends on a woman’s genetics and her attitude towards her own figure. After all, in Arab countries no one forbids a woman to diet and exercise.

Nowadays, the way Arab women look at makeup has changed a little. Now you can often see ornate, subtle patterns on the wrists and feet of Arab women.

Makeup Features:

• Regarding facial makeup, of course, the emphasis is on the eyes, since they are visible even from under the most closed clothing.
• Eastern women prefer khol. This is a special mineral powder that is used as eyeliner.
• Arab women apply makeup in the evening, just before their husband arrives. Late in the evening they wash the paint off their faces.
• At the peak of popularity among Arab women are “smoky eye” makeup and a variety of eyeliner. Arab women use lipstick or lip gloss, but the main emphasis is on the eyes.

In Arab countries, it is customary to give women jewelry, not flowers. The more gold jewelry a woman has, the more beloved and wealthy she is considered. Men love to give gold jewelry to their women because they believe it is a sign of wealth. Previously women In general, they carried a lot of gold on themselves, in case their husband kicked them out of the house. But now everything has changed, since in the east marriage contracts are more common than here.

Arab women adore massive necklaces, wide bracelets and rings. In addition, they often wear gold even on their feet.

Among Arab women there are a lot of beauties who are famous throughout the world.

The most beautiful Arab women:

• Sulaf Fawakherji (born July 27, 1977, Latakia, Syria) is a Syrian film and television actress, known for her bright eyes. She has played countless roles in Syrian soap operas. She was one of the torchbearers at Summer Olympic Games 2008. In May 2011, she appeared on Syrian television in defense of Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian government.
• Rosarita Tawil (b. 1988 Beirut, Lebanon) is a Lebanese model, winner of the Miss Lebanon 2008 title, who represented Lebanon at the Miss World 2008 pageant. She participated in fashion shows of famous Lebanese designers and posed for the covers of fashionable Arab magazines.
• Donia Hammed (born February 28, 1988) is the winner of the title “Miss Egypt Universe 2010”. She represented Egypt at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant. She is a student at the Finance Academy and works part-time as a model.

In the east, most women do not accept diets at all, since it is believed that a woman’s body is capable of giving birth and bearing a healthy baby. It is a shame for a man if he has a thin wife, it means that he is poor and starves her, they have nothing to buy food for.

One of the most influential women Sheikha Mozah is considered the world's leader. She is not only attractive and influential, but also fashionable. This is one of the first women in the east who began to wear dresses and trousers that fit her figure. They were created for her by designer Ulyana Sergienko. She is considered " eminence grise"because of the influence on her husband. She is one of the three wives of the sheikh and received a higher education.

VIDEO: Arab women

Group of peoples. The Arab world consists of 20 countries in North Africa and the Middle East with populations about 430 million people. Language Arabic (Semitic language group), suppressing religion - Islam.

A complicated Arab history

The history of the Arab world is so multifaceted and intricate that historians still express their versions.
Arabs are mentioned for the first time ancient sources- Assyrian and Babylonian chronicles. The Bible also says a lot about the Arab people. The pages of the Holy Scriptures report the appearance in Palestine of tribes of shepherds from the southern oases. These tribes became known as the Ibri, which meant “those who crossed the river.” Arabs consider Arabia their homeland. The island of the Arabs - Jazirat al-Arab - is washed by the Red Sea and the Aden, Persian, and Ottoman gulfs. However, if a dispute arises among historians about the origin of the Arabs, it is still difficult for them to indicate a specific place. For this reason, the history of the origin of the Arabs is presented in the form of several territorial zones:

1. The oldest Arabian region, which does not coincide with the borders of the modern peninsula. This zone includes eastern Syria and Jordan.
2. Territory of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.
3. Iraq, Egypt, Libya, North Sudan.
4. Mauritanian zone (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Western Sahara).

Arab occupations

Among Arabs, according to type of employment, they distinguish nomads, farmers And townspeople. The nomads of central and northern Arabia raised sheep, cattle and camels. The nomadic tribes of the Arabs were not isolated; they were located mainly surrounded by economically developed areas. Arab farmers work tirelessly on their lands, since a good harvest will feed the family and allow them to stock up. Grains, fruits, vegetables and even cotton are grown on southern plantations. A typical urban way of life reigns in Sanaa, Cairo, and Beirut. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are luxurious cities where tourists strive to get to to enjoy the splendor of the Arab state. Arabs work in factories, drive cars to do their business, and their children go to school. Ordinary city dwellers. The whole world knows about the tragic events in Aleppo, Syria. Here, the once thriving city has been turned into a pile of stones and ruins.

Arab culture

Arab culture reached its peak in the period from the 8th to the 11th centuries. The Arabs became the founders of mathematics, medicine, architecture, philosophy and poetry. Ibn Al-Haytham devoted his life to the exact sciences: mathematics, astronomy, physics and optics. He illuminated the building for the first time human eye. The Arab scientist Muhammad ibn Ahmed al-Biruni became famous in astronomy. The medical encyclopedia was provided to the world by the author of the monograph “The Canon of Medicine,” the famous Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Famous fairy tales"A Thousand and One Nights" are known throughout the world.

Customs and traditions of Arabs in the modern world

Arabs honor their traditions. A man, when meeting a woman, is always the first to engage in conversation. The greeting of two men goes like this: both touch their cheeks to each other, and then clap one another on the back. They treat time slowly not only in everyday life, but also in business meetings. A philosophical attitude to life underlies this type of behavior. Arabs do not tolerate fuss, spontaneity, running around and hassle. However, they make their decisions thoughtfully, following a pre-planned system. A calm, cool attitude towards what is happening does not mean at all that the Arab has the same temperament. The freedom-loving great-grandson of warring ancestors, he can instantly become enraged and become a daring opponent. It is not for nothing that Arab revenge is called blood revenge. To protect their violated honor or loved ones, the Arabs are not afraid to grab a weapon and enter into battle. Honor for an Arab is sacred!

Arab family life

You will feel quite comfortable when visiting an Arab family. The owner will greet you with cordiality, seat you at the table and offer you aromatic coffee. In the Muslim world, it is customary to treat your interlocutor with respect and try to make his stay in someone else’s home as comfortable as possible. The family in the Arab world is the first life value. The family includes a large number of relatives, in addition to spouses and their heirs. The power of a man in a family is undeniable; he is a protector, a breadwinner, a master.

Ov, plural arabes pl. 1. Semitic people ethno-linguistic group. BAS 2. We took the science of rhyming from the Araps. East. rum 69. I decided to call myself not a European, but a Baghdad Arab. Pant. in. sl. 2 255. This respect is not only for women... ... Historical Dictionary Gallicisms of the Russian language

Modern encyclopedia

- (self-name al Arab) a group of peoples (Algerians, Egyptians, Moroccans, etc.), the main population of the Arab countries of the West. Asia and North Africa. The total number of St. 199 million people (1992). Language is Arabic. Most are Muslim... Big encyclopedic Dictionary

ARABES, Arabs, units. arab, arab, husband The people inhabiting Arabia. Dictionary Ushakova. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

ARABES, ov, units. Arab, ah, husband. Peoples inhabiting Western Asia and North Africa, the Crimeans include Algerians, Egyptians, Yemenis, Lebanese, Syrians, Palestinians, etc. | wives Arabic, I. | adj. Arabic, aya, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov,... ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Arabs- (self-name al Arab) a group of peoples with a total number of 199,000 thousand people. Regions of settlement: Africa 125,200 thousand people, Asia 70,000 thousand people, Europe 2,500 thousand people, America 1,200 thousand people, Australia and Oceania 100 thousand people. Main countries... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Ov; pl. A large group of peoples inhabiting the countries of South-West Asia in the region Persian Gulf and North Africa; representatives of these peoples. ◁ Arab, a; m. Arabka, and; pl. genus. side, dat. bkam; and. * * * Arabs (self-name al Arab), group... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Arabs Ethnopsychological Dictionary

ARAB- representatives of twenty-two states of the Near and Middle East, having common ethnic roots and similar psychology. Arabs are cheerful, cheerful and funny people distinguished by observation, ingenuity, and friendliness. At the same time... Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology and Pedagogy

Arabs- Africa (self-name al Arab), a group of peoples. They make up the majority of the population of Egypt (Egyptian Arabs), Sudan (Sudanese Arabs), Libya (Libyan Arabs), Tunisia (Tunisian Arabs), Algeria (Algerian Arabs), Morocco ( Moroccan Arabs) … Encyclopedic reference book "Africa"

Books

• Arabs, . Reproduced in the original author's spelling of the 1897 edition (publishing house 'P.V. Lukovnikov's Bookstore'). IN…
• Arabs, . This book will be produced in accordance with your order using Print-on-Demand technology.

Reproduced in the original author's spelling of the 1897 edition (publishing house "Book edition...

The way of life of Arab women has always aroused great interest among Europeans, as, indeed, everything unusual and outlandish. Westerners' ideas about it often consist of prejudices and conjectures. Some people see an Arab woman as a fairy-tale princess, basking in luxury, while others see her as a weak-willed slave, locked at home and forcibly dressed in a burqa. However, both romantic ideas have little to do with reality.

Woman in Islam Islam largely determines a woman’s way of life. Before God she is equal to a man. A woman, like the stronger sex, is obliged to observe Ramadan, perform daily prayers, and make donations. However social role

The purpose of a woman in Arab countries is marriage, motherhood and raising children. She is entrusted with the mission of guardian of the peace and religiosity of the home. A woman in Islam is a righteous wife, respectful and respectful towards her husband, who is ordered to take full responsibility for her and provide for her financially. A woman should obey him, be submissive and modest. Her mother has been preparing her for the role of housewife and wife since childhood.

The life of an Arab woman, however, is not limited to just the home and household chores. She has the right to study and work if this does not interfere with family happiness.

How does an Arab woman dress?

Women in Arab countries are modest and chaste. When leaving the house, she can leave only her face and hands exposed. In this case, the robe should not be transparent, tightly fit the chest, hips and waist, or smell of perfume.

Arabic clothing for women has specific features. There are several basic wardrobe items designed to protect a girl from prying eyes:

• burqa - a robe with long false sleeves and a mesh covering the eyes (chachvan);
• veil - a light veil that completely hides the figure of a woman with a head part made of muslin fabric;
• abaya - long dress with sleeves;
• hijab - a headdress that leaves the face uncovered;
• niqab is a headdress with a narrow slit for the eyes.

It is worth noting that hijab also refers to any clothing that covers the body from head to toe, which is traditionally worn on the street by Arab women. A photo of this robe is presented below.

Dress code in Arab countries

Her appearance. The strictest dress code in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In these countries, girls and women move along the streets in black abayas. This wardrobe item is usually decorated with beads, embroidery or rhinestones. By the decoration of the abaya, you can easily determine the level of wealth in her family. Often in these countries, girls do not wear a hijab, but a niqab. Sometimes you can see Arab women wearing a burqa, although this item of clothing has become less and less common over the years.

Freer morals reign in Iran. Young girls also prefer headscarves. Especially religious ladies, no matter what, wear the veil.

In liberal states such as Tunisia, Kuwait or Jordan, many women do not cover themselves at all. They look like typical Europeans. However, this phenomenon can only be found in major cities. In the provinces, women wear the traditional hijab to hide their beauty from prying eyes.

Beautiful Arab women: stereotypes about appearance

Westerners have many stereotypes about what Arab women look like. In their minds, they are necessarily curly, dark-eyed, plump and have chocolate skin. However, the appearance of these women does not completely fit the template described above, since African, European, and Asian blood flows in their veins.

The large almond-shaped eyes of the Arab woman can be either bright blue or black. They are mostly brown or greenish. Their hair is dark brown, chocolate, black, and not only curly, but also straight and wavy. Arab women rarely give preference short haircuts. After all, long ones look much more feminine.

The skin color of oriental beauties varies from milky white to chocolate. The face of Arab women is usually oval, but in Egypt and Sudan it can also be elongated. They are well built, and if they tend to be overweight, it is only a little.

Beauty is not for everyone

Only relatives, husbands, children or girlfriends know what Arab women look like without a burqa or other street clothes. The black, loose robes often hide the most common European clothing: jeans or dresses. Arab women love to dress fashionably and stylishly. Like Western women, they enjoy showing off their latest new clothes, but only to close people.

At home, an Arab woman is no different from a European woman. However, if male guests come to her husband, she is obliged to cover herself. Even the closest friends of her husband should not see what an Arab woman looks like, and she, contrary to the speculation and prejudice of Westerners, does not feel inferior at all. On the contrary, the woman is comfortable and comfortable, because she was taught to be modest from childhood. Abayas, hijabs, niqabs, covering fashionable outfits, - not shackles, but those items of clothing that Arab women proudly wear. Photo oriental beauty one of them is presented below.

Arab women: education and career

Shopping and household chores are not the meaning of existence for Arab women. They engage in self-development, study and work.

In progressive countries such as the UAE, women receive a good education. After school, many enter universities created specifically for them, and then get a job. Moreover, women are engaged in the type of activity that they really like. They work in education, in the police, hold important positions in government departments, and some have their own businesses.

Another country where Arab women can realize themselves is Algeria. There, many representatives of the fair sex find themselves in law, science, and also in the healthcare sector. There are more women working as judges and lawyers in Algeria than men.

Problems of self-realization

However, not every Arab country can provide such attractive conditions for training and professional development.

Sudan still leaves much to be desired. In schools only the basics of writing, reading and arithmetic. Only a tenth of the female population receives secondary education.

The government does not approve of the self-realization of Arab women in the labor sphere. Their main way of earning money in Sudan is agriculture. The workers there are severely oppressed, not allowing them to use modern technology and paying meager salaries.

However, no matter what country a woman lives in, she spends the money she receives exclusively on herself, because, according to the canons of Islam, material care for the family lies entirely on the shoulders of the husband.

When do Arab women get married?

An Arab woman gets married on average between the ages of 23 and 27, often after graduating from university. However, life situations there are different ones. In many ways, a woman’s fate depends on the views held by her family and the morals in the country where she lives.

Thus, in Saudi Arabia there is no clearly defined minimum age for marriage. There, parents can marry a ten-year-old girl, but the marriage will be considered formal. This means that she will live in her father's house until puberty and then move in with her husband. In Saudi Arabia, formal marriage is rarely practiced.

And in Yemen this problem is quite acute. The country has recorded enough high percent early marriages. They are often concluded if they are financially beneficial to the parents of the young bride.

Early marriage (before 18 years of age), however, is not a modern trend, but in most progressive Arab states considered an exceptional phenomenon. There, parents are guided by the desires of their daughter, and not by their own benefits.

Marriage in Arab countries

The search for a future spouse falls on the shoulders of the father of the family. If a woman does not like the candidate for husband, then Islam gives her the right to refuse marriage. Whether he is suitable for her or not, the girl decides during several meetings, which necessarily take place in the presence of relatives.

If a woman and a man agree to become spouses, they enter into a marriage contract (nikah). One of its sections indicates the size of the dowry. As a mahr, as Muslims call it, a man gives a woman money or jewelry. She receives part of the dowry at the time of marriage, the rest - in the event of her husband’s death or divorce, which he himself initiated.

The contract is signed not by the bride, but by her representatives. This is how the marriage is formally concluded. After Nikah, the wedding should take place. Moreover, the solemn event can happen the next day or a year later, and only after it do the young people begin to live together.

Married life

In marriage, an Arab woman is soft and compliant. She does not contradict her husband and does not enter into discussions with him, but actively participates in the discussion important issues. All responsible decisions are made by the man, because he is the head of the family, and the woman’s concern is raising children and comfort in the home.

There she always has cleanliness and order, her wife has a hot dinner waiting for her, and she herself looks well-groomed and tidy. A woman tries to take care of herself: she visits beauty salons and gyms, buys beautiful clothes. In return, the husband is obliged to show her signs of attention, give her compliments and gifts. He regularly gives his wife money for shopping, but the Arab woman rarely goes grocery shopping. Carrying heavy bags is not a woman's job. All housework, which is difficult for a girl to do, falls on the shoulders of her husband.

An Arab woman goes outside without her husband's accompaniment only with his permission. However, this rule should not be considered as an infringement of women’s rights. It is not always safe to walk alone on Arab streets, so the husband considers it his duty to protect his wife.

When is an Arab woman not protected?

An Arab woman does not glance towards other men. Such behavior could disgrace her. Moreover, a woman will never cheat on her husband, otherwise she will become a sinner and will be punished for adultery. Women in the United Arab Emirates, for example, can go to prison for adultery, and in Saudi Arabia they can become victims of stoning. In Jordan, despite liberal morals, so-called honor killings are practiced. Sharia courts treat men who commit them leniently. The murder itself is considered his “private matter.”

In Arab countries, like nowhere else, the problem of sexual violence against women is acute. An Arab woman who is violated by a man usually does not report the incident to law enforcement agencies. After all, she could be convicted of adultery.

Physical and psychological are especially common in Iraq. Moreover misbehavior A man can easily get away with it. Only some countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, provide criminal penalties for beating a woman.

Is polygamy a problem?

Residents of Europe are horrified not only by the issue of violence, but also by polygamy, which is officially permitted in all Arab countries. How can a woman tolerate such chaos?

In reality, this problem practically does not exist. To marry another girl, you must obtain the consent of your current wife. Not every Arab woman, even taking into account her upbringing, will agree with this state of affairs.

In principle, men rarely take advantage of their privilege to have several wives. It's too expensive. After all, the conditions of detention for all wives should be the same. If this rule is not followed, then the wife, whom her husband infringes financially, can file for divorce, and the trial will end in her victory.

Rights of an Arab woman during divorce

Arab women are financially protected from all the hardships that may befall them. She can lose everything only in the event of a divorce, which she dares to do of her own free will and without a good reason.

A woman can separate from her husband without losing her mahr only if he does not provide her adequately financially, has disappeared, is in prison, is mentally ill or childless. The reason why a European woman might divorce her husband, for example, due to lack of love, is considered disrespectful for a Muslim woman. In this case, the woman is deprived of all compensation, and her children, upon reaching a certain age, are transferred to be raised by their ex-spouse.

Perhaps it is precisely these rules that have made divorce an extremely rare occurrence in the world. After all, in fact, it is disadvantageous to both spouses. But if it does happen, then the woman can remarry. Islam gave her this right.

Finally

The life of Arab women is so complex and ambiguous. It has special laws and rules that may not always be fair, but they have the right to exist. In any case, the Arab women themselves take them for granted.