Iranian Muslims Etiquette

Family Values

. In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure.

. The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappropriate in Iranian Muslims Etiquette to ask questions about an Iranian’s wife or other female relatives.

. Iranians take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.

. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close.

. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.

. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home.

. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationship, even business.

. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Public vs. Private

. Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: “zaher” (public) and “batin” (private).

. When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behavior. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

. The inner circle forms the basis of a person’s social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, or cut through bureaucracy.

Taarof (Iranian Politeness)

. Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.

. Iranians protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public.

. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value.

. In adherence to taarof, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Dress Attire

DO understand that women are expected to wear loose clothing covering everything but their hands, face, and feet. Female travelers in Iran are also expected to abide by this dress code. In homes, Western-style clothing is acceptable in Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

DO wear pants and short-sleeved shirts if you are man. However, long-sleeves may protect you from the sun better.

DO dress conservatively for business occasions. Ties are not traditionally worn by Iranian men but they are not looked down upon.

Table Manners

DO note that in some homes meals are served on the floor without eating utensils, but in more modern homes meals will be served on a table with a spoon and fork.

DON’T sit until told where to sit.

DON’T use your left hand while eating.

DO try a little bit of everything and expect to be offered seconds and even thirds!

DO understand that refusals are considered polite and not taken seriously, so if you don’t want more food you will likely have to insist.

DO understand that restaurants will often have two sections: “family” and “men only.” “Family” is for women and their families.

DO leave a little bit of food on your plate to indicate that you are done eating.

DO note that alcohol is illegal under most circumstances in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts

DO wrap a gift nicely.

DON’T open a gift immediately.

DON’T give overly lavish gifts. Pens, art, home decor, or something from your home country are generally appreciated in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Greetings

DO understand that since conservative men and women do not socialize together, greetings are done only among members of the same sex. Because of this, wait for the member of the opposite sex to put their hand out for a handshake before shaking hands.

DO shake hands upon greeting or greet with an affectionate kiss.

DO greet by saying “salaam” which means hello Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Visitors Etiquette

DO bring flowers or desserts for your hosts.

DO arrive on time. Lateness could be considered rude in Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

DO look to see if your host is wearing shoes. If they are not, take yours off before entering.

DO accept food or drink.

Socializing and Conversation

DON’T criticize Islam or the Iranian government.

DO discuss soccer (football) because it’s very popular in Iran.

DO ask about family in Iranian Muslims Etiquette , but don’t be too intrusive.

Religious Etiquette

DO understand that in order to visit a mosque or holy shrine, women should wear a chador before entering. Chadors are sort of like cloaks. If you don’t have a chador, sometimes there are kiosks where you can rent one.

DO wear long-sleeved shirts when visiting a mosque or holy shrine if you are a man.

DO remove your shoes before entering a prayer area of a mosque.

DON’T take photos of a mosque while people are praying.

DO ask before entering a room at a holy site, because some places forbid non-Muslims to enter in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

In spite of the lengthy list of Iranian etiquette, you can always ask those around you if you are unsure what to do. Iranians are very friendly to tourists visiting their country. Just remember to be polite and conservative, and you’ll be fine! Have a safe and happy trip to Iran.

View the Original article