View source for Honor codes of the Bedouin

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2020}}
{{Arab culture}}
'''''Sharaf''''' and '''''ird''''' are [[Bedouin]] honor codes. Along with [[hospitality]] and [[courage|courage/bravery]], it is one of the Bedouin aspects of [[ethics]].<ref name = "patai">Patai, Raphael. ''[[The Arab Mind]]''. Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1973.</ref> [[Bedouin systems of justice]] are based on these [[honor|honor codes]], although the codes are falling into disuse as more Bedouins accept [[sharia]] or national [[penal code]]s as the means for dispensing justice.

== Muruwah ==
'''''Muruwah''''' can be translated to 'manliness' but its meaning is more broad. It meant courage in battle but also called for patience and endurance in suffering and dedication to the tribe. This virtue required obeisance to the chief ([[sayyid]]) regardless of personal safety. Duty called upon one to avenge any wrongdoing committed against him or the tribe.<ref name=":0" />

This concept worked well in lawless regions to ensure the survival of the tribe. The accompanying [[Feud#Blood feuds|vendetta (blood-feud)]] that was threatened by the breaking of honor codes was a way of ensuring security and order in a region without central authority.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Armstrong |first=Karen |title=A History of God |publisher=Vintage |year=1999 |pages=156–157}}</ref>

==Ird==

'''''Ird''''' ({{langx|ar|عرض|ʿirḍ}}) is the Bedouin honor code for women. A woman is born with her ''ird'' intact, but sexual transgression can take it away. It is different from [[virginity]], as it is emotional and conceptual. Once lost, ''ird'' cannot be regained.<ref name = "patai"/>

==Sharaf==
'''''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]], and maintenance of the honor of the tribe and protection of the village (if the tribe has [[human settlement|settled]]).<ref name = "patai"/>

==Diyafa==

'''''Diyafa''''' ({{langx|ar|ضيافة|ḍiyāfa|hospitality}}) 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 [[tithe|tithing]] is mandatory in many Bedouin societies.<ref name = "blake">Blake, Martha. ''[http://www.marthablake.com/ghinnawa.html The Ghinnawa: How Bedouin Women's Poetry Supplements Social Expression]''.</ref>

==Hamasa==

'''''Hamasa''''' (courage/bravery) is also closely linked to ''sharaf''. Bravery indicates the willingness to defend one's tribe for the purpose of '''''aṣabīya''''' (tribal solidarity and balance). It is closely related to '''''muruwa''''' ([[Masculinity|manliness]]). It usually entails the ability to withstand pain, including (male) [[circumcision]].<ref name = "blake"/>

==See also==
* [[Revenge]]
* [[Guilt–shame–fear spectrum of cultures]]
* [[Bedouin systems of justice]]

==Notes==
<references/>

[[Category:Bedouin society]]
[[Category:Honour]]


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