Honor codes of the Bedouin
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Sharaf and Ird are Bedouin honor codes. It is one of three Bedouin aspects of ethics that contain significant amounts of pre-Islamic customs: viz. those of hospitality, courage and honor. [1] Bedouin justice dispensation systems are based on these honor codes. However, the honor codes are falling into disuse as more and more Bedouins accept Sharia or national penal codes as the means for dispensing justice.
Ird is the Bedouin honour code for women. A woman is born with her ird intact, but sexual transgression could take her ird away. Ird is different from virginity, as it is emotional / conceptual. Once lost, ird cannot be regained. [1]
Sharaf is the general Bedouin honor code for men. It can be acquired, augmented, lost and regained. Sharaf involves protection of the ird of the women of the family, protection of property, maintenance of the honor of the tribe and protection of the village (if the tribe has settled down).[1]
Hospitality (diyafa) is a virtue closely linked to Sharaf. If required, even an enemy must be given shelter and fed for some days. Poverty does not exempt one from one's duties in this regard. Generosity is a related virtue, and in many Bedouin societies gifts must be offered and cannot be declined. The destitute are looked after by the community, and tithing is mandatory in many Bedouin societies. [2]
Bravery (hamasa) is also closely linked to Sharaf. Bravery indicated the willingness to defend one's tribe for the purpose of tribal solidarity and balance (assahiya). It is closely related to manliness (muruwa). Bravery usually entails the ability to withstand pain, including male circumcision.[2]
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c Patai, Raphael, The Arab Mind; Charles Scribner's Sons, New York; 1973
- ^ a b The Ghinnawa: How Bedouin Women's' Poetry Supplements Social Expression, by Martha Blake
