11 Ways Arab Americans are Hospitable
BY: Zane Ziebell/Contributing Writer
Embrace the warmth and festivity, as Arab hospitality is of the best in the world!
Hospitality is built into the fabric of Arab customs and traditions, which is why they are often seen as generous and kind to the people around them. Families often use their generosity towards guests as a measure of judgment, so be sure to offer some hospitality in return!
Guests are welcomed with kindness into the home, regardless of their status as relative, friend, neighbor, or stranger. Here are 11 ways that Arabs show their generosity and kindness through hospitality.
1. Invite you to their home
Arab Americans will always invite you to their home. As a sign of welcoming and friendship, it is important in Arab culture to host you. There’s no better way to host a guest than offer them a huge Arab meal!
2. No need for an invite
No matter what, you are always welcome in an Arab home. Although it’s polite to RSVP, it is not required. Feel free to bring the entire village and all your friends with you, as well. There will definitely be enough food. If you’re from out of town, Arabs will insist that you stay with them!
3. Greeting you outside the house
Waiting for you to ring the doorbell is not polite in Arab culture. It is always custom to wait for someone either at the door, or outside of the home. This is a sign of great respect, as well as an important welcoming gesture. Don’t ask why, this is just the way it’s done!
4. 100 Welcomes
Don’t get scared, this is just how Arabs are hospitable towards their guests and friends. Arab culture is very warm and welcoming so be prepared to kiss a lot of cheeks and answer many questions about your well-being and family!
5. Eat more!
When eating dinner at an Arab’s house, keep in mind that you will never be able to eat enough! Even if you ate your whole plate, they will serve you more without even asking. Often times, the meal doesn’t end until you’ve eaten everything on the table. It is considered shameful for a guest to ask an Arab for food because the host should’ve already offered everything in the fridge!
6. Apologizing they didn’t make enough
Arab hosts will customarily apologize for not making enough food, even if there is plenty leftover. There will be more than 20 dishes prepared, but still, they will apologize for not making enough! “Ma fi ishi min waj-buck” (we have nothing to show you how much we value you).
7. Asking about family
One distinct Arab custom is asking about family. Arab Americans, though it may seem strange, will always ask about how your family is doing and what’s new with them. This is a way of showing courtesy, sincerity, and respect for the family.
8. Giving you the shirt off their back
Any time you compliment an Arab and tell them that you like something of theirs, such as a piece of jewelry or home good, they will try to give it to you. If you compliment them on their jewelry, they will remove it and tell you to take it! Even if you compliment an Arab on their shirt, they will literally take it off their back and give it to you. This way of giving has always been, and will always remain, part of the Arab identity. So be careful of what you show admiration for around your Arab Americans!
9. Grabbing the check
If you ever eat with Arab Americans at a restaurant, they will always pay for the bill, or at least fight to pay for it.. Even if it is your first meal together, they will still try to pay. Good luck trying to get the tab before they do!
10. Insisting you stay longer and come again
If you are ever invited to an Arab American’s home, it will be difficult to leave because they want to keep hosting you. After serving the mezze, they will feed you the main course, followed by fruit, sweets, many cups of tea and coffee, and bizir (watermelon or pumpkin seeds). In between all the food, there may be music, dancing, and discussions on society. At the end comes 100 goodbyes before making it out the door. And of course, they will insist on having you over again soon. This is customary in Arab culture, as having you over for one meal is simply not enough.
11. Bringing gifts
A really special part about having an Arab friend is that they’ll always bring a gift to your house, especially if your friendship is young. No matter the occassion, a gift can always be expected from Arabs who love to shower their loved ones in goodies.