The carefree side of Muslim men
The carefree side of Muslim men
Attallah Alblwi overrides me. Dressed in a bright white Thawb, checkered Keffiyeh and black agal, he is the type of man that I usually find intimidating.
Usually I would connect it to the archetypal Muslim man: ascetic, righteous, upright; More concerned with decency than unnecessary things like fun and laughter.
The Muslim men of my youth were idealized as guardians, protectors, guardians. They had no time for chatter or banter.
However,Attallah has a playful smile and a spacious laugh, so full and low that I wonder whether his famous Beduin tea has something more interesting.
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Attallah and his brother Ghanem Alblwi run Bedouin Lifestyle, a campsite in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. You and your employees are relaxed and relaxed in the middle of the camper. They drink, laugh and sing. Some even dance. You do this without self -confidence or judgment. There is a pleasant camaraderie when you put your Keffiyehs aside, lean back on the base pillow and drink another round of tea. As I watch, it becomes clear to me that it may be the very first time that I see traditional Muslim men in a really relaxed state.
I knew progressive Muslim men (my friends at the university, my third generation nephews), but I always felt a slight feeling of discomfort towards their traditional colleagues, especially those who have nothing to do with me. There was always a feeling of distance; A feeling that we cannot just sit together and have a detailed conversation without taking care of social constraints. We cannot relax, laugh or have fun together because it would violate the appropriate.
Maybe my experience is more characterized by culture than religion. After all, Punjabi weddings are known for getting loud, even if both parties are Muslims. Bengal weddings, on the other hand, are relatively tranquil. In fact, Bengal brides have only recently been allowed to smile. Previously, they were encouraged to show grief about the loss of the family and the loss of innocence.
Whatever is the cause of the separation, one thing applies: I am not the only one who feels your presence. Muslim men are one of the most examined groups of people in modern society. Their motives, their actions, their thoughts and discussions have triggered millions of dollars in anti-terrorist initiatives and thousands of columns around the world.
Muslim men are often seen as a nebulous “other”, an uncomfortable minority with unclear goals and motifs. It is a depressing state, but one who is inevitable if you have prejudices against any group of people. To assume that a person is a certain way due to their appearance and clothing is the actual definition of prejudices, a lesson that I learn again when I accept Attallah's third cup of tea.
Attallah is not a valuable Muslim man who believes that I should be at home with a husband. It is not a model of abstention. He can look me in the eye and I in his, and we can just relax and talk.
I smile when the darkness falls over Wadi around and dancing becomes more graceful. It is strange how travel can change your opinion about things you believed all your life.
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