8.4: Majlis

Learning Objectives

In this section, you will be able to:

• Describe the cultural and architectural significance of the majlis (المجلس) in Arab societies.
• Compare traditional Arab social customs, such as guest seating, conversation norms, and hospitality, with your own cultural practices.
• Analyze gendered customs in hospitality spaces and how these vary across regions.

Introduction to the Majlis

In Arab culture, the majlis (المجلس), meaning "a place of sitting," serves as a central space for hospitality, conversation, and community. Traditionally located at the front of the home, it is where guests are received, meals are shared, and decisions are made. The majlis reflects deeply rooted values such as كرم (generosity), احترام (respect), and الاستماع (listening).

In some Gulf homes, you’ll find two majālis—one for men and one for women—especially during large social events or religious holidays. These separate spaces allow both genders to gather comfortably according to cultural norms. In Bedouin traditions, the majlis is often in a tent, with cushions and rugs, emphasizing comfort and informality. In cities, the majlis might resemble a formal living room, but still follows traditional hospitality rituals.

Majlis Architecture and Etiquette

The majlis (المجلس) is a central space in many Arab homes, designed for receiving and honoring guests. Traditionally, it features cushioned floor seating or low sofas arranged along the walls, creating an open and inclusive setting for conversation. Hospitality is expressed through welcoming scents like incense (بخور) and the ritual offering of Arabic coffee and dates, typically served by the youngest or most respectful member of the household. Seating in the majlis is not random; it often follows social rules that reflect age and status, with the most honored guests seated in prominent positions.

Etiquette in the majlis emphasizes respect, cleanliness, and warm communication. Upon entering, guests usually remove their shoes, and in more traditional or rural settings, they may be offered a hand-washing basin before being seated. Conversations begin with greetings and polite questions about well-being, setting a respectful and harmonious tone. Whether in a simple rural home or a modern city villa, the majlis continues to serve as a symbol of Arab hospitality, cultural pride, and social harmony.

Storytelling and Oral Traditions

The majlis is not just a space, it’s an experience. In older generations, it was the stage for poets, storytellers, and tribal leaders to share news, wisdom, and folklore. This oral tradition continues today, especially in rural areas and Bedouin gatherings, where stories pass down history, values, and social lessons.

Modern Transformations

In contemporary Arab homes, particularly in urban areas, the majlis often functions as both a traditional gathering space and a formal living room. While it may feature classic décor such as carpets, Arabic calligraphy, and family heirlooms, it also incorporates modern elements like televisions, digital devices, and in some settings, allows for mixed-gender gatherings—reflecting a blend of tradition and modern lifestyle.

In Arab diaspora communities, families frequently dedicate a corner of their living rooms to recreate a majlis-style space, using familiar furniture and decorative touches. This helps preserve cultural identity and hospitality customs, even while living abroad.

The Guest Room in Arab Homes غُرفةُ الضُّيوف

In many Arab homes—especially in the Levant and North Africa—you’ll find a غرفة الضيوف (ghurfat al-ḍuyūf), or guest room. This is a specially prepared room that is kept clean, elegant, and reserved only for visitors. Unlike the everyday family living space, the guest room reflects the host’s care, status, and attention to hospitality. It is a symbol of الكرم (karam) and الاحترام (respect) toward guests.

While the majlis is more common in Gulf and Bedouin traditions and often used daily, ghurfat al-ḍuyūf is more formal in style—sometimes rarely used except for receiving special visitors. It may include:

• Formal seating (luxurious couches and cushions)
• A display of fine décor or family heirlooms
• A tray with tea, Arabic coffee, and sweets
• Family photographs, Qur’anic calligraphy, or art that expresses identity

In traditional Arab etiquette, a guest may not see the inside of the kitchen or bedrooms. Hospitality is showcased in the space of the majlis or guest room, both of which are carefully curated to offer warmth, respect, and dignity. Instead, the guest room is its own space, located near the entrance to maintain privacy for the rest of the household. This reflects a cultural value of حُرمة البيت (hurmat al-bayt), which means the sanctity and privacy of family life.

Gender Separation and Social Customs in Arab Hospitality

In many traditional Arab communities, especially in the Gulf region and some conservative rural areas, gender separation plays a significant role in social and hospitality customs. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural and religious values emphasizing modesty (الحياء), privacy (الخصوصية), and respect for gender boundaries. In formal settings such as weddings or funerals, entire events may be held in two separate tents or halls, one for men and one for women. This setup is viewed as a means to uphold community values and ensure the comfort of all guests.

In urban areas and among more liberal families, especially in the Levant and North Africa, mixed-gender gatherings are more common. The غرفة الضيوف (guest room) may serve both male and female visitors, and hospitality customs can be more flexible depending on the family, setting, and occasion. In contrast, in more traditional Gulf settings, gender segregation may still be strictly observed, especially in tribal or Bedouin communities where traditions are maintained with pride.

Despite differences in practice, hospitality remains central in all cases. Regardless of gender, guests are honored with the best seating, coffee, tea, and food. Hosts ensure everyone feels welcome, whether they are received in a separate room or a shared space. Gender separation is not necessarily about exclusion, but about respecting cultural norms of interaction. In some families, male hosts may not serve female guests directly; instead, hospitality is passed through a female family member. Understanding these practices helps visitors avoid unintentional disrespect and recognize how hospitality adapts to cultural values.

These practices, whether traditional or modern, demonstrate that hospitality in Arab culture is a collective value—one that binds families and communities through shared customs and mutual respect.

Activities نشاطات

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Check Your Understanding

• You and your partner participate in this role-play about welcoming a guest. You play the host, and your partner is the guest. Perform a short dialogue using these elements:
  • A greeting and invitation (e.g. تفضل)
  • Offering Arabic coffee or tea with dates
  • Small talk and polite questions
  • Culturally appropriate body language (seating, gestures)
• Draw or digitally design your own majlis المجلس or غرفة الضيوف Include:
  • Type of seating
  • Decorations (e.g., calligraphy, carpets, family photos)
  • What you would serve the guest
  • Where the guest would sit
  • Write a paragraph explaining how your design shows كرم (generosity) and احترام (respect).
• Answer these questions in your notebook and then share your thoughts with your peers or in a small group.
  • Why is it essential for the location of the majlis to be near the entrance of the home?
  • How does gender separation in hospitality reflect values like الخصوصية (privacy) and الحياء (modesty)?
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages of having a guest-only space at home?