Majlis

Majlis are areas where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, have guests over for events, socialize and are entertained. Majlis are spaces where problems are discussed, condolences are paid, and wedding receptions are held. Majlis typically have carpets on the floor and cushions against the wall.

Majlis is also the name of legislative councils or assemblies in some Islamic-majority states. Also used to refer to a private place where guests are entertained (a lounge, or salon, in British English and French, or a saloon on a ship). Majlis shares its roots with the Arabic verb for sitting, julus (cf. British English 'sit' and 'sit down'). Dewaniya is derived from the Persian word "divan," which is itself derived from the Sumerian word dub.

The term 'council' has Arabic and Persian roots and describes gatherings of various kinds between common interest groups, whether administrative, social, or religious in countries with linguistic or cultural ties to Islamic countries.

Many Arab homes have a meeting room or front parlor used to entertain guests. In Saudi Arabia, women will decorate them or trade with other women to do it for them. Across Yemen's Asir Province and neighboring towns and cities, "majlis painting," or nagash painting, uses geometric shapes and bright colors.

The Majlis space is open to all people and maybe a gathering place for family members, tribal members, and residents of the same neighborhood, or from other remote neighborhoods. Elders of the community are considered true bearers of the tribe's knowledge concerning nature and genealogy.

Religious sheikhs and judges play an important role in the Majlis, adjudicating disputes and clarifying rights and responsibilities in politics, social affairs, and religion. There is also a Majlis for women, although some prominent women attend other Majlis that are more academic or literary.

Majlis play an important role in the transfer of oral heritage, which includes folk stories, traditional songs, and ‘Nabati’ poetry. This knowledge is mostly transmitted informally as children accompany the community members to Majlis. When young people observe elders in the Majlis, they learn the manners and ethics of their community, dialogue and listening skills, and respect for others' opinions.

Although Majlis is informal, this private place where house guests and friends are entertained by the family since hospitality is taken very seriously by many Muslims, host families take pride in providing their guests with a comfortable stay. A stove or fire is used to prepare coffee and other hot beverages.