Social Norms (Kuwait 06)

By: Hassan TahaAWARE Education Manager

* Relations between individuals in this society can be more harmonious if certain rules are adhered to. These consist of duties towards others, cultivating essential personal characteristics and avoiding bad personal characteristics as well as the following acts:

1 -Displaying affection between couples 2- Photographing people without their permission

3 -Do not leave pets in the room with visitors, especially dogs .

4 -Excessive pointing or signaling with your hands

5 -Be less humorous when dealing with ladies if you are a man and

vice versa (formality required) .

6 -If you are invited to a meal, do not just eat and go away, as the host may think you value another commitment over his/hers

(Generosity in appreciation). 7 -Talking about personal matters

such as divorce or commenting on the beauty of someone's wife or daughter. Avoid asking someone about his wife (if you are a man.)

8 -Sitting in seclusion with females from the age of 10 and above (especially if you are a teacher)

Do’s :

1 -If you have a neighbor try to display your concern about him, especially if he is sick. However, you should be careful

2 -If you are invited by a friend, accept that invitation.

3- It is recommended to address people by pet-names (Abu Ali, Umm Ahmend).

Some inevitable behaviors that should be controlled :

1 -Yawning: Although it is inevitable, it is considered to be bad. One should suppress it as much as he can. When inevitable, try the following :

*Hold the palm of your left hand or the back of your right hand over your mouth.

*Try to avoid making any sound when yawning.

2- Duties towards others:

(a )Show amiable facial expressions during conversation. )generosity in expressions(

(b )Be kind and respectful to others (modesty) .

(c ) Don't make a promise if you are sure you wont fulfill it. (be realistic)

(d )If you are asked about something you are not sure about, admit that you don't

know. )if you get lost in Kuwait( (e )Exchange gifts with others, even if

they may seem small. (generosity)

3 -Avoid the following:

(a )Being nervous or liable to sudden anger or expressing anger publicly or

loudly )abusive words( .(b )Speaking about what does not concern

you (c ) Listening to people's secret

conversation.

4 -Jokes :

(a )Although it is good to share jokes with others, one has to be careful about what he says and the circumstances in which he/she says it. Pranks should be avoided

(b )It is advisable to avoid impolite words or terms directly or indirectly when joking (like donkey, liar, etc.)

(c ) Utmost consideration should be put over the context in which the joke is said so as to

avoid hurting others' feelings .

(d) One should not take what belongs to others while joking .

(e )To terrify others in jest is forbidden. )especially with people who suffer from high blood pressure.(

(f )Lying should be avoided when joking or hurting or insulting someone. When Prophet Muhammad )PBUH( was asked whether he joked, he replied, “Yes, but I

speak the truth”.

*Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) joked with a woman by telling her that old ladies will not be admitted into paradise… he later explained (56:36)

(g )Do not suggest to marry one's sister or any other relative as this is considered

disrespectful .

Thank you for attending! Keep

smiling.