Is it true that if you admire something in Arab countries, your host may feel obliged to give it to you?

Question

I've read that in the Middle East it was traditionally the case that if you admired something (a beautiful watch, a tie pin, a vase etc) that your host is wearing or owns, he might feel obliged to give it to you. Is this still true? Was it ever? And are you expected, if this happens, to offer a gift of equal value in return?

Answer 1

To a certain extent true, it really depends on which country. You will find this more clearly in countries that are more traditional like saudi arabia, Egypt, Syria and some times in Lebanon.

It used to be a must in the past, but has been diminishing during the past few decades, so this wont happen at the home of a 30 year old family, but is more likely to happen in rural areas when you visit and old and well established house hold, so in a way it is a dying habit.

Generosity is built in the rich Arab culture and traditions. Being generous with guests is considered more of an obligation rather than a choice, at least that is the way it was in the past. There are numerous examples of such generosity in Islamic literature.

You are not expected to give them back anything if the person gives you a gift, a simple thank you is all that is needed. What you can do is offer a gift when that person visits you, since being the host is what really moves this gesture.

Answer 2

this happened in the past. my grandfather had a beautiful arab horse. when an arab king visited him and showed his admiration of the horse, he had it as a gesture of respect and goodwill. however, i have been to a very rich arab country. this kind of gesture doesnt exist anymore. only when you are invited to a meal and like a certain dish, the hostess would ask you if you would like to take a portion on leaving the place. many guests accept this if they like the dish very much, but still many recline accepting this gesture because they dont want to gain weight. the days of the luxurious past are gone forever even in the richest countries. concering an aunt giving away something she has to a close relative, this is simple and takes place whenever i see any of my little relatives. i even buy something and wear it, wait till a little girl shows her admiration for , and it goes where it looks better !this keeps the warmth in the family relationships and doesnt cost much. i do it all the time .

Answer 3

Depends on which Arab country and how traditional the person is. They also do this in Russia too

Answer 4

I have spent a lot of years in the ME but never experienced anything like that.

But, on the other side, it's true that I never admired anything there.

Answer 5

ya somewhat true ...u dont have to give anything away...but i remeber my aunt when ever i said i liked something she was wearing shed take it right off n give it to me. its just a way of being kind i guess...

Answer 6

yes this is a common practice in many countries, especially amoung Arabs.