Bedouins traditionally live a nomadic lifestyle, spreading from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the borders of Turkey to Yemen. The word 'bedouin' comes from the Arab word 'Bedou' that means "desert dweller." Estimates say nomadic Bedouins constitute about one-tenth of the population of the Middle East.
Traditionally, the Bedouin's home, the tent, is divided into three sections by curtains: the men's section, the family section and the kitchen. In the men's area, guests are received around the hearth where the host prepares coffee on the fire. This is the center of Bedouin social life. Tea is served as a welcome drink; coffee is usually prepared after the meal and is the last drink before the guest leaves. The serving of food and drink represents the generous hospitality of the host. The men pass the evening trading news and discussing their animals. Separated from them by a curtain, the women gather in the family area and kitchen along with their small children to bake bread and prepare the main meal. A dinner of rice and chunks of mutton or lamb are then served to the gathered guests.
Women occupy a very important position in Bedouin society. Not only do they raise the children, herd the sheep, milk the animals, cook, spin yarn and make the clothes, but they also weave the cloth that constitutes the tent. The Bedouin men gather around the fire, sharing stories and sipping coffee. They might discuss falconry, the saluki greyhound and Arabian stallions, all animals the Bedouins are credited with breeding, as well as other matters of importance to the tribe. Traditionally, one of the men recites poetry or sings. To mark the end of the evening, the host burns incense in a mabkhara (incense burner) passing it to each of his guests to inhale and fan their clothes. Poetry has been a central cultural form of expression for the Bedouins throughout their history. In early centuries of Islamic history, Bedouin poetry represented the ideal standard for other literary achievements, as well as for the Arabic language. The traditional foods of the Bedouin are dairy products and meat. Bedouins sell and barter products in order to obtain agricultural food from sedentary peoples.
Bedouin society has a strict code of honor which dictates proper behavior for all members, including children. Because of the demanding nature of the Bedouin lifestyle, children are expected to assume a considerable amount of responsibility in order to help their families survive. Although modernization has changed the Bedouin lifestyle somewhat, emphasis is placed on teaching children to carry on traditional ways of life, and the advancement of modern technology is not considered important to children's education.
Modern societies have made the traditional Bedouin lifestyle less attractive since as it is demanding and often dangerous. Because of that, many tribes have settled in urban areas. It is not uncommon to see a young Bedouin building a house and living in it; however, his parents will pitch their tent in the garden, where they will live very happily until the end of their days. Governments have a strong tendency to regulate Nomadic lifestyles since it is only then that taxation works in some parts of the Middle East. Providing services for the people also works best in an urban setting. Today, the Arab world has one of the highest rates of urbanization in the world.
Islam's prophet Mohammed (saw) was born and raised in the Bedouin tribe of the Quraish. The Qur'an, first revealed to Mohammed (saw), was later written and compiled in the Arabic language. The first converts to Islam came from the Bedouin tribes living in and around Makka. Therefore, Islam is embedded and deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. Although there are pockets of Christians in Bedouin tribes, by and large the word Bedouin is synonymous with being a follower of Islam. Prayer is an integral part of Bedouin life. As there are no formal mosques in the desert, they pray where they are, facing Makka and performing the ritual washing, preferably with water. Since water is not always readily available, they 'wash' with sand instead.
Within the hospital setting and during my trip to Madain Saleh I have had the opportunity to interact with Bedouins.I must say that they are certainly the most humblest and hospitable people that I've ever met. They lead a very simple life yet they are very happy and content with the little that they have. They are not caught up in the modern world at all. In fact being in their company reminded me of how it must have been during the time of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW).Many of them do not like to frequent the cities as they are afraid of the traffic and the hundreds of cars on the road.They find it difficult to cross the roads or even drive within the cities.In the area around Madain Saleh I noticed many Bedouin women driving lorry type vehicles and also riding camels.Many of the Bedouins are afraid of urbanization as it is a threat to their lifestyle and way of life. I remember last year whilst driving in the desert with my dear friend Hassan and his family we encountered a Bedouin family residing in the desert. Their Arabic dialect was so different that even for someone who understands Arabic it was difficult to decipher the words. The old elderly Bedouin man looked upset though and then we realized that he was upset that the Saudi government is contemplating developing a road that would run very close to where these Bedouins reside.He kept on saying why cant they be left alone in peace. They do not wish to change and they are very happy not being caught up with the fast moving world that lacks peace and contentment.
Last week at the hospital I met a Bedouin man with his son. They looked uncomfortable being in the city. They traveled many miles getting to the hospital.Neither the man nor the son could read or write Arabic although they spoke Arabic fluently.I had also met a Bedouin man who was the Imaam of a masjid. He had memorized the entire Quraan by listening to recitations of the Quraan on a radio during his childhood. He was also illiterate and hence could neither read nor write the Arabic language. I noticed that many Bedouins do not know how to use a western high toilet. They find it strange and so when they are admitted to hospital they have to be shown how to use the toilet. Many of them would use very little water to shower or bath and I guess this is a habit that stems from residing in the desert where water preservation is of primary concern. The Bedouins have adopted many customs that goes back to the time of prophet Muhammed (saw). Many of them would tie a cloth around their tummies filled with stones to create weight and curb hunger. A thin string would also be tied sometimes around their tummies to prevent them from getting fat or picking up weight. The string is tied tightly around the tummy so naturally if the person gains weight there would be a certain level of discomfort and so naturally the person would try eating less thereby reducing the weight and hence removing the source of discomfort.Many Bedouin women have tattoo like markings on their faces very similar to the Armenian Turkish women you would find visiting Makkah or Medina. The tattoos indicate the level of status within the tribe, possibly the wife or daughters of the leader of the tribe.
There are some Bedouin tribes that have strange customs and traditions that goes completely against the teachings of Islam.One such tribe resides in an area just outside the city of Al Kharj.
The Kharj region is defined largely by the wide valley known as Wadi al-Sahba (sometimes known as "Wadi al-Kharj"), where the floods of many other wadis, such as Wadi Hanifa, are deposited. In addition, there were historically several fresh water springs (called asyah or uyun) that flowed towards the surface through apertures in the earth. As a result, the Kharj district has historically been one of the richest locations in Arabia in water resources, and has supported grain production since ancient times. However, springs of al-Kharj, like those of neighboring al-Aflaj have completely dried up in the last two decades.
In previous time periods, the district was more often known as Jaww, Jaww al-Yamamah, or Al-Khadharim, though the name "Al-Kharj" was also known. The pre-Islamic legend of the tribes of Tasm and Jadis, is set in the Kharj district. At the beginning of Islam, al-Kharj was inhabited by the Bakr tribes, especially the Banu Hanifa. In 862, the Alid clan of the Ukhaydhirites fled to al-Kharj from the Hejaz, and made its main city, Al-Khidhrima, the capital of a small state.
In the 18th century, the Kharj district was, along with the town of Riyadh, the most stubborn foe of the First Saudi State, and was among the very last areas of Najd to fall under Saudi rule. However, the district later became among the most loyal regions to the Al Saud, providing refuge to Turki ibn Abdallah from the Egyptian occupation in the 1820s, and joining Ibn Saud's campaigns in the early 20th century at an early date.
Today, Kharj houses a governmental farm, among the oldest of its kind in the country. Kharj oasis produces dates, vegetables (including carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce) and fruits (including oranges, melons and grapes). There is also livestock and poultry, as well as horse breeding. There are also large industries for processed food. Kharj has excellent connections to other urban centres in the country, using the system of highways, railroad and airports of the capital, Riyadh, which is 50 km northwest. Kharj lies on the route to the regions of the cities Abha, 800 km, Khamis Mushayt, 775 km, and Najran, 800 km, all southwest. Kharj is located to an area of deep water pools. There is also a water tower with a restaurant.
On the outskirts of Al kharj is a tribe whose customs are strange with regards to women. The women folk of this tribe cover their faces completely in the presence of males and females.Their husbands have no idea what their faces look like. In fact their tradition is so bizarre that when one of the woman of the tribe came to Riyadh city and passed away in a gathering not even her husband could identify her face as he did not know what his wife looked like.In a separate incident, a husband tried removing his wife's face covering whilst she was asleep and suddenly she awoke and then decided to divorce her husband the next morning which according to her was due to a heinous sin that he had committed.Young girls start covering their faces from a young age following the footsteps of their mothers and grand mothers. We were invited to a wedding in Riyadh and many women from this tribe were invited to the wedding. I found it most odd that these women were adorned with sleeveless, eye popping outfits but had a face covering as well even though it was an all women's affair.
Though some of the customs come across as strange and ancient, the Bedouins are certainly a lovely, vibrant group of people you will ever meet. So the next time you visit the beautiful desert and come across Bedouins residing in their tents enjoying a peaceful life, don't forget to stop and say hi.They are extremely friendly, hospitable people who do enjoy meeting and entertaining visitors from the city and sharing their culture and traditions with people who are foreign to their own way of life!!!!
Bedouin Proverbs
1. As the camel falls to its knees, more knives are drawn.
2. At the narrow passage, there is no brother and no friend.
3. He who shares my bread and salt is not my enemy.
4. I against my brother, I and my brother against our cousin, I, my brother and our cousin against the neighbors, All of us against the foreigner.
5. I give thee flight without wings.
6. Keep women far away from song, because it is a summons to adultery.
7. Knowledge is light. � and all who contribute bring light to our world.
8. My father rode a camel, I shall ride a pick-up and my son will drive a Cadillac; however my grandson will drive a donkey.
9. My treasures do not chink or glitter. They gleam in the sun and neigh in the night.
10. The broth is cooking, and now we have to act as one.
11. The lightly burdened shall be saved.
12. Truth may walk through the world unarmed.
13. When the shooting starts climb on your camel and head for the mountaintops.
14. When you sleep in a house your thoughts are as high as the ceiling, when you sleep outside they are as high as the stars.
Bedouin life is generally pastoral, herding camels, sheep, goats and cattle. They normally migrate seasonally, depending on grazing conditions. In winter, when there is some rain, they migrate deeper into the desert. In the hot, dry summer time, they camp around secure water sources. Bedouins define themselves as members of tribes and families. People are divided into social classes, depending on ancestry and profession. Passing from one class to another is relatively feasible, but marriage between a man and a woman of different classes is difficult.
Traditionally, the Bedouin's home, the tent, is divided into three sections by curtains: the men's section, the family section and the kitchen. In the men's area, guests are received around the hearth where the host prepares coffee on the fire. This is the center of Bedouin social life. Tea is served as a welcome drink; coffee is usually prepared after the meal and is the last drink before the guest leaves. The serving of food and drink represents the generous hospitality of the host. The men pass the evening trading news and discussing their animals. Separated from them by a curtain, the women gather in the family area and kitchen along with their small children to bake bread and prepare the main meal. A dinner of rice and chunks of mutton or lamb are then served to the gathered guests.
Modern societies have made the traditional Bedouin lifestyle less attractive since as it is demanding and often dangerous. Because of that, many tribes have settled in urban areas. It is not uncommon to see a young Bedouin building a house and living in it; however, his parents will pitch their tent in the garden, where they will live very happily until the end of their days. Governments have a strong tendency to regulate Nomadic lifestyles since it is only then that taxation works in some parts of the Middle East. Providing services for the people also works best in an urban setting. Today, the Arab world has one of the highest rates of urbanization in the world.
Last week at the hospital I met a Bedouin man with his son. They looked uncomfortable being in the city. They traveled many miles getting to the hospital.Neither the man nor the son could read or write Arabic although they spoke Arabic fluently.I had also met a Bedouin man who was the Imaam of a masjid. He had memorized the entire Quraan by listening to recitations of the Quraan on a radio during his childhood. He was also illiterate and hence could neither read nor write the Arabic language. I noticed that many Bedouins do not know how to use a western high toilet. They find it strange and so when they are admitted to hospital they have to be shown how to use the toilet. Many of them would use very little water to shower or bath and I guess this is a habit that stems from residing in the desert where water preservation is of primary concern. The Bedouins have adopted many customs that goes back to the time of prophet Muhammed (saw). Many of them would tie a cloth around their tummies filled with stones to create weight and curb hunger. A thin string would also be tied sometimes around their tummies to prevent them from getting fat or picking up weight. The string is tied tightly around the tummy so naturally if the person gains weight there would be a certain level of discomfort and so naturally the person would try eating less thereby reducing the weight and hence removing the source of discomfort.Many Bedouin women have tattoo like markings on their faces very similar to the Armenian Turkish women you would find visiting Makkah or Medina. The tattoos indicate the level of status within the tribe, possibly the wife or daughters of the leader of the tribe.
There are some Bedouin tribes that have strange customs and traditions that goes completely against the teachings of Islam.One such tribe resides in an area just outside the city of Al Kharj.
The Kharj region is defined largely by the wide valley known as Wadi al-Sahba (sometimes known as "Wadi al-Kharj"), where the floods of many other wadis, such as Wadi Hanifa, are deposited. In addition, there were historically several fresh water springs (called asyah or uyun) that flowed towards the surface through apertures in the earth. As a result, the Kharj district has historically been one of the richest locations in Arabia in water resources, and has supported grain production since ancient times. However, springs of al-Kharj, like those of neighboring al-Aflaj have completely dried up in the last two decades.
In previous time periods, the district was more often known as Jaww, Jaww al-Yamamah, or Al-Khadharim, though the name "Al-Kharj" was also known. The pre-Islamic legend of the tribes of Tasm and Jadis, is set in the Kharj district. At the beginning of Islam, al-Kharj was inhabited by the Bakr tribes, especially the Banu Hanifa. In 862, the Alid clan of the Ukhaydhirites fled to al-Kharj from the Hejaz, and made its main city, Al-Khidhrima, the capital of a small state.
In the 18th century, the Kharj district was, along with the town of Riyadh, the most stubborn foe of the First Saudi State, and was among the very last areas of Najd to fall under Saudi rule. However, the district later became among the most loyal regions to the Al Saud, providing refuge to Turki ibn Abdallah from the Egyptian occupation in the 1820s, and joining Ibn Saud's campaigns in the early 20th century at an early date.
Today, Kharj houses a governmental farm, among the oldest of its kind in the country. Kharj oasis produces dates, vegetables (including carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce) and fruits (including oranges, melons and grapes). There is also livestock and poultry, as well as horse breeding. There are also large industries for processed food. Kharj has excellent connections to other urban centres in the country, using the system of highways, railroad and airports of the capital, Riyadh, which is 50 km northwest. Kharj lies on the route to the regions of the cities Abha, 800 km, Khamis Mushayt, 775 km, and Najran, 800 km, all southwest. Kharj is located to an area of deep water pools. There is also a water tower with a restaurant.
On the outskirts of Al kharj is a tribe whose customs are strange with regards to women. The women folk of this tribe cover their faces completely in the presence of males and females.Their husbands have no idea what their faces look like. In fact their tradition is so bizarre that when one of the woman of the tribe came to Riyadh city and passed away in a gathering not even her husband could identify her face as he did not know what his wife looked like.In a separate incident, a husband tried removing his wife's face covering whilst she was asleep and suddenly she awoke and then decided to divorce her husband the next morning which according to her was due to a heinous sin that he had committed.Young girls start covering their faces from a young age following the footsteps of their mothers and grand mothers. We were invited to a wedding in Riyadh and many women from this tribe were invited to the wedding. I found it most odd that these women were adorned with sleeveless, eye popping outfits but had a face covering as well even though it was an all women's affair.
Bedouin Proverbs
1. As the camel falls to its knees, more knives are drawn.
2. At the narrow passage, there is no brother and no friend.
3. He who shares my bread and salt is not my enemy.
4. I against my brother, I and my brother against our cousin, I, my brother and our cousin against the neighbors, All of us against the foreigner.
5. I give thee flight without wings.
6. Keep women far away from song, because it is a summons to adultery.
7. Knowledge is light. � and all who contribute bring light to our world.
8. My father rode a camel, I shall ride a pick-up and my son will drive a Cadillac; however my grandson will drive a donkey.
9. My treasures do not chink or glitter. They gleam in the sun and neigh in the night.
10. The broth is cooking, and now we have to act as one.
11. The lightly burdened shall be saved.
12. Truth may walk through the world unarmed.
13. When the shooting starts climb on your camel and head for the mountaintops.
14. When you sleep in a house your thoughts are as high as the ceiling, when you sleep outside they are as high as the stars.
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