This structure is not always the norm; in recent years, both the father and the mother provide for family needs, while household chores are taken care of by grandparents. In affluent families, maids and servants are used. In the past, most major family decisions were made by the father, but recently some of these decisions are made jointly by both the father and the mother.
Children are taught to follow traditions and are given responsibilities that correspond with their age and gender. Sons are usually taught to be protectors of their sisters and to help the father with his duties inside and outside the house, while daughters are taught to be the source of love and emotional support in the family, as well as helping their mother to take care of household chores. Winds of change do not spare any culture; the changes that entered the structure of some Arab houses is not due to economical needs, but education for both men and women that is mandated by law in the Arab countries. Education from kindergarten up to university degrees is free to nationals and sometimes residents of these Arab countries.
A daughter lives at her family house until she moves to her husband's home [the marriage is so important that parents undertake a thorough investigation of the partner by asking neighbors, co-workers, business partners’ etc.]. This inquiry involves the family, the job, the manners and the character of the partner.
Sons might move to their own houses when they get married, but the oldest son will still live at the family house even if he is married in order to take care of the parents. When a woman gets married, she is entitled to keep her name and keeps control over her business/wealth. It is the husband duty to provide for the whole family.
The role of women
Although culture, traditions, and religion strongly stress the importance of women's roles in taking care of the house and raising children, it is a mistake to think that women are confined to this role. Before Islam there were many successful businesswomen and they still exist throughout the region, but because of cultural reasons, they conduct business in an inconspicuous way [Khadidja, the first wife of the prophet was a very successful trader].
Parents
Parents are the center of the family and are given unwavering respect by their children. The Qur’an urges the children to continually seek their blessing: [17:23 – kindness /humility; 29:8 – kindness; 31:14 - gratitude; 46:15-18 - Kindness].
The mother enjoy three times more respect than the father: The saying goes: “Aljannatu taHta aqdaami alummahaat = the paradise is under the feet of mothers”.
Once their children grow up, women acquire greater power culminating in their indisputable decision-making and management of the household financial matters.
Group and individual
In Arab society, the individual sacrifices for the collective which in return bestows upon him recognition and gratitude. The educated is regarded as the highest achievement. The Qur’an started with an exhortation asking the prophet to read: “ Iqra’ = Read!” and called for the respect of the Ulemas, “the learned people”.
The group has a superiority over the individual. In contrast to modern societies which promote individualistic interests, in the Arab society, the individual is merged into the group to which he takes and from which he receives.
The consensus of the group supersedes the opinion of the individual. His opinion is important through his belonging to a group framework. This is based on the hadith attributed to the Prophet: “The opinion of the many cannot be mistaken.”
Islam does not encourage individualism [and par ricochet the belonging to a Party]. Islam favors one nation “ummah” (free of tribes and Parties) led by a consultative council, “Majlis Ashura”. ( individualism is viewed as factionalism and as harming the achievement of the harmony of the Ummah).
Social duties
Returning from a trip: relatives, friends, and neighbors will drop by to offer their elaborate greetings and inquire about your health.
Sickness at home / hospital: all relatives and any one who is considered a friend will visit the patient, give moral support, comfort, and keep company to ease concerns of the patient. Visitors will usually bring food, chocolate, or fruits, and occasionally flowers. Even when someone is ill and staying at the hospital, his children, closest relatives, or friends will show hospitality to visitors by serving them refreshments or coffee and chocolate. Those who do not oblige will be seen as outsiders unless they had good excuses and/or apologize on time.
Marriages: Relatives, friends, and neighbors will bring gifts, offer money or contribute to alleviate the expenses.
Newborns: Relatives of both the mother and the father, friends, and neighbors will visit to accomplish a family duty. They congratulate the mother and present her with gifts for the newborn.
The mother of the newborn will usually spend the first 40 days after the delivery in her family house, where she will be taken care of by her mother and sisters.
Religion and Values
Loyalty to the family is an obligation. has always, and continues to be the top priority of the Arabs.
Religion is key in Arab daily life.
Islam is the religion, Muslims are the followers of Islam and Arabs are the original inhabitants of the Arabian peninsula who speak the Arabic language.
