Saudi Arabia: Israelis in Makkah

Posted on November 25, 2009 by American Bedu

Muslims from all over the world are now performing the pilgrimage of Hajj, the journey that every Muslim hopes to achieve at least once during his or her lifetime.  During Hajj global Muslims will perform the rites of Hajj in the Holy Cities of both Makkah and Medina.  Among the vast millions of global pilgrims will also be Israeli muslims.  Although Saudi Arabia and Israel do not sustain diplomatic relations, in the case of Hajj there is no discrimination based on ones nationality.

In addition to the highlighted article written by Rachel Kliger of Media Line, the following short video clip also explains how Israel’s muslims are able to perform this significant pillar of Islam:


 

Just prior to posting I received an update from Rachel with statistics on the number of Israeli Muslims performing Hajj this year.   Ahmad Juma provided the following link, from an Israeli-Arab newspaper:

The link list of all the names of people doing the Hajj this year, and where they are from in Israel.

According to figures from two organizations that help arrange the Hajj (Salam Association for the Hajj and Umra, and the Association for Israeli Arab and Muslim Hajj Pilgrims), there will be around 4,500 Israeli Muslims carrying out the Hajj this year, and many of them already departed for Saudi Arabia a week ago.

 

Thanks again to Rachel for bringing this topic to my attention and acquring current statistics.

Filed under: Freedoms, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, culture, hajj, islam, politics, religion, travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Use Your Imagination: Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia

Posted on November 24, 2009 by American Bedu

Each month American Bedu blog has a feature called “Use your Imagination.”  American Bedu will begin a story which encompasses some aspect of Saudi Arabia and then, you, the reader, get the opportunity to either finish the story or simply take it to the next level for someone else to pick up.  October was international breast cancer awareness month but I believe this is a disease that needs to be highlighted more often than one month a year. Breast cancer is the number one cancer among women in Saudi Arabia which is not caught in time and therefore fatal to them.  That is a tragedy because if breast cancer is caught and treated early it is among the most curable of all cancers.  Breast cancer is also perceived as the “Woman’s Disease” in Saudi Arabia.  So with a slightly new twist, I look forward to how you contribute to this month’s “Use Your Imagination” with the story of Khalid below.

 

male_mastectomy_web


Khalid had not been feeling well for several months.  He was lethargic, losing more energy daily and had noticed he had a strange lump which he felt on his chest.  Or to be more specific, he could feel this strange lump in the area of his breast.  He was hesitant to tell anyone or see a doctor for to do that was to openly acknowledge his fear that something was not right.  He also could not understand why as a man he would have this hard lump which felt like a small pebble under his breast.  The prospect of cancer never occurred to him for he was a man.  And after all, breast cancer was exclusively a woman’s disease, something a Saudi man would have little to no involvement with.  The women took care of each other for those “female things.”  Yet he could not deny that the lump was slowly becoming bigger.

Khalid was a married man in his early 40’s with four children.  He and his wife, Munira, had a typical Saudi relationship.  His days were spent working as an engineer for Saudi Telecom Corporation (STC) while Munira stayed at home taking care of the children and overseeing her housemaid.  Most evenings he would drop Munira and the children at one of her family member’s home to visit and he in turn would join his male friends at a local coffee house or estraha and pass by the time.

Khalid and Munira had a close and loving relationship but only privately behind the closed door of their bedroom.  They would never think of embracing or sitting side by side with hands entwined in front of their children.  That was not typical of them or their extended family to make such public displays of affection.

However one night while laying side by side in bed, Munira remembered something she had wanted to ask Khalid and to get his attention placed her hand on his chest.  It just happened that the placement of her hand was at the exact spot of Khalid’s lump which had continued to grow even larger.  Initially Munira removed her hand in shock wondering what had she felt.  But as any concerned spouse, she then insisted that Khalid remove his shirt so she could see exactly what it was she had felt.

Although Munira was a traditional Saudi woman who did not have an education beyond high school, she quickly recognized that something was not right.  After all, her mother and several of her sisters had battled breast cancer which had been identified by similar looking tumors like the one on Khalid’s breast.  But could a man get breast cancer?  Wasn’t that the woman’s disease?

When Munira suggested Khalid see a doctor his initial reaction was to scoff at her which was actually a ploy designed to mask his own fear.  Yet Munira’s reaction further scared Khalid.  While he would not admit it to Munira, he knew there was something very wrong.

And now it is your turn to continue the story.  What does Khalid do?  What does he learn?  How does Khalid’s experience change his views about breast cancer?

Filed under: Health, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, breast cancer, cancer, culture, gender | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Monthly Saudi Arabia Arabic – November 2009

Posted on November 23, 2009 by American Bedu

Grocery cart

Since yesterday’s post was about Saudi grocery shopping I thought it would be appropriate to have this month’s Saudi Arabic post to cover some of the key staples one is likely to purchase when grocery shopping:

Soup               shorbah

Rice                ruzz (long “u” sound)

Buttermilk       laban

Coffee            qawah

Tea                 shai (vowels are like a long “I” sound)

Water             ma’ or moyah

Sugar             sukkah

Milk                 haleeb

Juice             aseer

Cheese         jubnah

Butter            zeb’dah

Cream           kreem

Meat              laham  (commonly used to reference beef)

Fish               samak

Fruits             fawakeh

Vegetables   khudarwat or khudrah

Filed under: Food, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, shopping, travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Grocery Shopping Peculiarities in Saudi Arabia

Posted on November 22, 2009 by American Bedu

riyadh-grocery-shopping

 

Grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia can be unique on various levels.  I have written previously about the etiquette while shopping in Saudi grocery stores and now I’ll address other unique aspects that one may encounter while grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia.  These aspects are unique in that it is unlikely to see or encounter such experiences in typical American grocery stores.

Grocery shopping in Saudi Arabia seems to be family occasion.  In addition to the husband and wife (remember, she cannot drive herself to the grocery store), the children and housemaid will also be in accompaniment.  The housemaid will either “attempt” to keep an eye on active children or push the cart while the family make their selections.

eating in grocery store Unlike the majority of grocery stores in America, it is overall acceptable for individuals whether a child or an adult to eat or drink while shopping in the store.  What I mean specifically is that these are not items which were brought with the individual into the store but items that have been taken and opened from the shelves and refrigerators during shopping.  It is expected that anyone who has consumed anything while shopping will inform the cashier at checkout to be charged for the item.

While in most American grocery stores which have the option for shoppers to create their own bags of candy from a bulk candy aisle one may encounter a sign advising a charge associated with sampling any individual piece.  Whereas in Saudi it is accepted for a child or adult to freely sample a few pieces.  I experienced this myself when I was at a candy kiosk selecting a mixed variety of candies to share with family.  I could not make up my mind so the vendor just started handing me different pieces to sample!

And of course another aspect that I have only encountered in very small specialized Halal shops in America is that in Saudi Arabia the grocery stores will indeed close down for 30 minutes during prayer times.  Many of the grocery stores will request all patrons in the store at prayer time to leave the store.  A minority of grocery stores will allow shoppers to remain in the store.  Usually those shoppers are women, foreigners and children.  The men are expected to go and pray but it is understood that some muslim women are unable to pray as they may be menstruating.  And most stores that allow shoppers to remain will not challenge a westerner to leave the store during prayer.

Individuals shopping in Saudi grocery stores such as Panda or Tamimi for example should remember when  weighing foodselecting fresh fruits and vegetables to have them weighed and priced before going to the check out.  There is usually a small kiosk set up in a central location to the fresh fruits and veggies with one to two individuals working who weigh and price.  Whereas with the majority of American grocery stores fruits and veggies are weighed and priced at the checkout counter.  I have had my own occasions when newly arrived in Riyadh forgetting about this aspect and would find myself at the checkout without having had fruits and veggies weighed and priced in advance.  Fortunately the clerks have been kind and would usually have someone take my items to be weighed and priced while continuing to check out the rest of my items.

The major grocery stores such as Panda, Tamimi and others will accept debit cards.  However do not count on a debit card as the sole source of payment for groceries.  There have been multiple times I have been in one of the grocery stores to find that the network is down and debit cards cannot be processed.

When checking out be watchful to ensure all your bags are placed into the cart.  The employees who are loading up the bags are usually from third world countries and while they have a job, their salary is on the lower end.  When a shopper has many bags of groceries, sometimes (not always) a “bagger” will place a bag of groceries underneath the counter to keep for himself.  This has happened to me twice during my time in Saudi and I’m aware of it happening to others as well.  If you notice and remind them the bag was placed on the floor, the bagger will be apologetic and put the bag in the cart.

full grocery cart

The bagger is usually the same individual who will assist in taking the bags to your car (or taxi).  He will expect to receive a tip.  If there are only a minimum number of bags (like four to six), five riyals is an adequate tip.  However if you have a full cart or more than one cart full of bags, I suggest tipping ten riyals.

Segueing to additional observations in grocery stores there is usually a distinction between what one will notice in a cart of a Saudi family as compared to a Western family.  Popular shopping favorites of Saudi families will include buttermilk, lebna, yogurt, olives, honey and puck (a very popular type of cream cheese).  A lot of Saudi families prefer to go to a butcher shop where they will buy their cuts of meat.  Bread is typically bought fresh daily from the many bread stores which abound throughout Saudi Arabia.  It is actually cheaper to buy the fresh bread too!  A dozen freshly made rolls cost about 3 riyals (slightly less than one US dollar!

In closing, I welcome readers to share their views on either shopping in Saudi Arabia as well as comments on the grocery shopping experiences of Saudis who are or were outside of Saudi Arabia.

Filed under: America, Food, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, culture, gender, shopping, travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments »

American Cancer Debate and Impact on Saudi Arabia

Posted on November 21, 2009 by American Bedu

The recent debate in America in which the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women do not need annual mammograms for detection of breast cancer or breast anomalies until age 50 not only hurts millions of women in America but has tentacles which will impact on Saudi Arabia too.  This is a subject on which I personally have very strong beliefs.  If it had not been for a mammogram I would probably have not known that I had breast cancer and yes, I was less than 50 years of age.

So why can a debate initiated from America about the need for mammograms have an impact on Saudi Arabia?  Breast Cancer remains one of the leading killers of women in Saudi Arabia in spite that –if detected early enough—it can be treated and cured.  I emphasize the need for early detection because Saudi Arabia continues to face challenges of erasing the image that breast cancer is only a “woman’s problem” and a woman diagnosed with breast cancer may be viewed as undesirable or unmarriageable.  As a result many Saudi women choose not to have even a routine mammogram due to a fear of the results.  Additionally there is a high incidence of Saudi women who elect to remain silent about a lump or growth on their breast for fear of isolation from their husband or a sense of shame about their body.  Therefore by the time a woman may be seen for treatment the cancer has spread to the point where it is no longer curable.

Thankfully the American Cancer Society has spoken out strongly criticizing the recommendation of the USPSTF.  Does the USPSTF not realize that such recommendations infer selling out and placing less value on proactive measures to preserve life? Because the United States is a world leader in cancer treatments and a popular destination by Saudis for medical treatment, any American recommendations will impact on how cancer is perceived in Saudi Arabia.   So thank you very much America (sarcastic mode most definitely on) for this asinine decision which will have repercussions that reverberate around the world!

NB:  American Bedu has had a relapse with her cancer and presently undergoing treatment. Anyone with special women in their life ensure routine mammograms do take place.  The mammogram can make that difference between life and death; hope and dismay.

 

Filed under: America, Economy, Health, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Technology, Women Issues, breast cancer, cancer, culture, gender, politics, safety | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments »

Saudi Arabia: Is Three Months of “Alimony” Fair?

Posted on November 20, 2009 by American Bedu

riyals

I posted earlier this month about a bride’s dowry and if the marriage did not succeed, should the dowry be returned.  The resulting discussion on the post of dowry seemed to have a natural segue about marriage in Saudi Arabia and entitlements to a woman in the event of a divorce.  In accordance with Islam and Shariah law, in the event of a divorce a man is required to provide 3 months (90 days) of “maintenance” to the wife.  In the US and other western countries the word maintenance would be substituted as alimony.  However let’s think about whether 90 days of maintenance is really fair in Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi woman must have a male mahrem (guardian) and in most cases she will go directly from her family’s home to her husband’s home through marriage.  There remain many Saudi women who going directly from being a daughter to a wife have had limited life experiences and have never worked let alone acquired a professional skill.  Additionally the Saudi culture and tradition strongly encourages and expects a couple to have a child within the first year of marriage.  Therefore it is not surprising in the case of a lot of divorces among Saudis there are typically children involved who if young enough, will remain with their mother.

Thankfully Saudi culture is strong where family will look out for and take care of blood relations.  A Saudi woman whose marriage is over in most cases will be able to return to her family home.  But is that necessarily fair to her?  Is that what she really wants rather than making her own home for her and her children?  Yet the woman with no marketable job skills and with young children may not have a lot of options.  Also factored in is the fact that traditionally the husband is only expected to provide three months of maintenance which in many cases may not amount to much at all considering a woman is attempting to rebuild her life.  This is not a case of trying to freeload but to look at all available options for a woman and not make her feel forced into decisions not necessarily right for her.

On the other hand it is not surprising there are many Saudi couples who choose not to live together as husband and wife but in reality are pretty much divorced but without the official process of a divorce.  In this case the woman usually has her own home separate from the estranged husband and without moving back in with her family.  She may or may not work but in most cases she does have some kind of work.  She is independent yet not viewed as a divorced woman.  Her family name and reputation remains intact whereas a divorced woman can be looked upon with a stigma or as “used goods.”  This woman will likely have accepted there will not be an active husband in her life and is content with her children and her extended family.  She is happy to not have the daily expectations of a husband and instead enjoys her liberation and freedom of being her own person.

So which is better?  Deciding not to get a divorce but live separate lives?  Getting a divorce and accepting 90 days of maintenance even if meant returning to live with family?  Or getting divorced and negotiating for further maintenance in order to have additional options?

Filed under: Charity, Freedoms, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Women Issues, culture, gender, islam, relationships, religion | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments »

Saudi Arabia: How Can Muslims Improve the Image of Islam

Posted on November 19, 2009 by American Bedu

muslims denounce terror

With the recent tragedy in Ft. Hood, Texas, when Muslim Arab-American Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan went on a rampage and in cold blood calculatingly shot and killed 13 people and wounded 30, his identity as a Muslim is likely to have a rippling effect across the United States and elsewhere on the image and perception of Islam.  Having such an incident occur within a secured military facility by one of the Army’s own, an officer who was an Army Psychiatrist, certainly can influence individuals’ views and perceptions of muslims and roles Arab-Americans fulfill.

This incident occurred while the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan and of course Al Qaeda remain threats.  And again, those supportive of the Taliban and in most cases, supportive of Al Qaeda, are also Muslim.  Or at least they claim to be muslims.  I say claim to be because true Islam is a peaceful religion which does not take lives in vain and for no senseless reasons.  Yet all of these actions continue to portray a global picture that Islam is equated with violence and extremism.

How then can the world muslims improve the image of Islam?  And this is not with any intent of trying to convert individuals to Islam but simply clear up misperceptions and misunderstandings of the religion.  The uphill battle of a Muslim image campaign will be further compounded because after the Ft. Hood incident there is not only sensationalized media reports which play up the fact that the shooter was a muslim but (non-muslim) individuals can become so emotional and threats are issued to muslim individuals and communities similar to 9/11 backlash.  It should also be stated that one can be an Arab with all the classic Arab features yet not be Muslim.

I do believe that the Ft. Hood event was an isolated event and should not reflect on Muslims or Arab-Americans.  Yet concurrently major public relations must now be done to minimize the damage the incident has done to Muslims, Arab-Americans and Islam.

Filed under: America, Saudi Arabia, culture, islam, politics, religion, safety, terrorism | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments »

Saudi Arabia: Flowers are Okay for Men…

Posted on November 18, 2009 by American Bedu

Ironically while a man or woman cannot give flowers to one another on Valentines Day in Saudi Arabia, it is okay for men to receive a rose from Police Officials on Saudi’s National Day.  I do think the gesture of handing out roses is a beautiful gesture but am saddened that it is only limited to men or young boys only.  In most places around the world it is not typical for men to give and/or receive flowers from another male.  However this accepted practice in Saudi Arabia is yet another way in illustrating the impact of segregation and differing cultural norms.

 

national day flowers

 

national day flowers 2

 

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national day flowers 4

 

national day flowers 5

Filed under: Freedoms, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Women Issues, culture, friendship, gender, relationships, travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments »

Saudi Arabia: How many Heavens are there?

Posted on November 17, 2009 by American Bedu

heaven-way-thumb4226793

Sometimes I think we tend to over-analyze and make a topic too intense, such as religion.  Starting with Islam one can be a muslim but then someone may ask, is he or she a sunni muslim?  A shia’a muslim?  Salafi school?  Sufi?  Or the same with a Christian… are they Methodist?  Baptist?  Presbyterian?  Lutheran?  Episcopalian?   Let’s not forget the Catholics and Greek Orthodox or Roman Orthodox too.  Then there are the Jews as well.  And not to be forgotten are Buddhists, hindis, and many more.  If you ask anyone of these particular faiths, they will likely say that they are confident they will go to heaven.  So do we all believe in the same heaven or are there multiple heavens?  These are issues which could come up in theology classes at University but I’m not aware of any educational institution in Saudi Arabia which has courses in theology.

Filed under: Freedoms, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi education, culture, islam, religion | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 122 Comments »

Saudi Arabia: What do the Wives Think?

Posted on November 16, 2009 by American Bedu

chained_hands

Islam allows a man to have up to four wives.  In Saudi Arabia it is not uncommon to know of Saudi men who have multiple wives.  It is also not uncommon to know and become friends with women who may be first, second, third or fourth wives. Is there a distinction though among female circle of friends when knowing that the woman is in a polygamous relationship (whether voluntarily or involuntarily)?

I asked a friend who has lived in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years and found her comments to be very enlightening.

“When one of our friend’s husbands took another wife, we all went ballistic here because we KNEW her.  None of us would ever be friends or accept the second wives usually in those cases.  But, for the other gals that are seconds, if we don’t know the first wife, it seems to be different.  Why is that?  For some reason, it doesn’t hurt us as much.  I guess because we aren’t attached to the first wife and her kids, so it doesn’t pull the strings of our hearts as easily….and when you know and see the children and their reaction to the new one, it’s very tough.  Perspective really is everything.”

I agree with her words that perspective can certainly make a big difference.  Everyone will have their loyalties.  But why in many cases is it the wife who is blamed when the Saudi husband chose to engage his “right” to polygamy?  In the case of a first wife one may hear words of “it was an arranged marriage and now the husband finally found true love” from those who are supportive of or friends with the second wife.  Whereas in the case of a second wife she could be referred to as an interloper or home wrecker  who had given the husband the “evil eye” to lure him away from his first wife and family.  However it does seem when a man goes beyond two wives at one time less is heard.  Yet for those who are wanting to be supportive and true to the friend whose husband chose polygamy, it always seems it is the other wife who is “blamed” and not the husband.  Is it because friends realize the woman still loves the husband or the woman believes she has no options but to accept polygamy?  Therefore the friends feel again out of loyalty it is not appropriate to criticize a husband’s actions but okay to speak about a wife who is simply an unknown?

Filed under: Freedoms, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Women Issues, culture, gender, relationships, religion, travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments »

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