CUSTOMS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND AUSTRALIA

Customs in Saudi Arabia and Australia

Customs in Saudi Arabia and Australia

Introduction

Arabic is the authorized language of Saudi Arabia, but English is broadly spoken. It is utilized in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among non-Saudi, many people speak Urdu, the official language of Pakistan and other Asian languages such as Farsi and Turkish. Arabic is spoken by almost 200 million people in over 22 countries. It is the language of the Koran, the holy book of Islam, and Arabic poetry and literature. While voiced Arabic varies from country to homeland, classical Arabic has stayed unchanged for centuries. In Saudi, there are differences between the dialects spoken in built-up areas and those voiced in country areas.

Islam is performed by all Saudis and rules their personal, political, financial and legal. Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and therefore is visited by millions of Muslims each year. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc.) to bring revelation to humanity. He was distinguished with bringing a message for all humanity, not just to a particular people. As Moses brought the Torah and the Bible, Jesus, Muhammad brought the last book, the Koran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (Sunna) are used as the basis for all orientations in religion (Edgar, 9). Among certain obligations for Muslims to pray five times a day at dawn, afternoon, evening and night. The exact time is displayed in the local newspaper every day Friday is the Muslim holy day everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.

Discussion

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only allowed working six hours a day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, smoking cigarettes or chewing gum. Expatriates are not required to fast, however, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public. Every night at sunset, families and friends gather to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often extend well into the night. In general, things occur more gradually throughout Ramadan. Many companies operate on a reduced schedule. Stores can be opened and closed at unusual times (The Courier Mail, 8).

The family and the tribe are the basis of social structure as seen in their naming conventions, the ...