Majlis

Majlis, from the Arabic مجلِس (majlis), meaning "place of sitting" or "assembly," is a term used across the Arab world and parts of Iran to denote a formal council, an assembly, or a public meeting. In everyday life it also refers to a dedicated reception room in a home or palace where guests are received and discussions are held.

In Iran, the Majlis is the national legislature, officially the Islamic Consultative Assembly. Members are elected, and the body enacts legislation, ratifies budgets, and provides oversight of the executive branch. In Saudi Arabia and several Gulf states, "Majlis al-Shura" or analogous bodies exist as consultative councils advising the ruler or government, with powers and prerogatives that vary by country.

In social life, a majlis is a traditional space for hospitality and public or private dialogue. In many Gulf communities, it is a formal reception room or a designated area in a home or palace where guests are hosted and discussions on politics, business, and community affairs occur. The exact form and etiquette of a majlis differ by culture and setting.

Variations in spelling—Majlis, Mejlis, Majles, Mejliss—reflect Arabic and Persian transliteration. The term also appears in country names and institutional labels, such as Majlis-e Shura in Iran and Majlis al-Shura in Saudi Arabia. In context, majlis can refer to a legislative body or to a ceremonial or social gathering, and its meaning depends on country and usage.