Emirati proverbs with Nasser Isleem
Through Ramadan, Gulf News brings you Emirati proverbs, what they mean and the socio-cultural context of their usage in everyday life.
Proverb
illii ysiir blayya ‘ziimah yargid blayya frash
Literal meaning: He who goes uninvited will sleep without a mattress. Gist: This proverb urges people not to expect much if they force themselves onto a situation. or try to impose themselves on others. Another version of this proverb goes: illi yi-yii bilya da’ii yi-lis bilya frash. Another version is illi ma yinzigir ma yitwaayeb which means ‘He who is not invited is not going to be fully served’. In Islamic societies, no excuse will be entertained if one is declining an invitation. If an uninvited person accompanies one who is invited, they should seek the host’s permission first. In the UAE, warm hospitality reflects one’s generosity, courtesy and intimacy within the community. Emirati households make sure that the majlis or ‘reception area’ is always perfumed with incense and Oud and is prepared for the guests’ arrival. People invited to a majlis are expected to remove their shoes at the entrance. Men and women will be seated in separate areas. It is important to stand up when outsiders and older or higher-ranking people make an entry. When greeting a Muslim person of the opposite sex, it is customary to refrain from shaking hands unless they extend their hand first. Both genders may not be comfortable with shaking hands with members of the opposite sex. Conversations normally start by inquiring about the guests’ and their relatives’ well-being, which deepens the amicable bonds within the larger community. Serving coffee with cardamom and other ingredients is an essential component of a hospitable reception for guests in Emirati households. It is also customary to serve ‘al fuwaalah, which consists of fruit, sweets and crackers which are served to guests before the coffee is poured preceding the dinner. People are expected to accept the food and drinks that are served and to consume them using the right hand.
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