Muruwwa

Muruwwa, written in Arabic as مروءة, is a traditional Arab code of personal and social virtue that shapes conduct and reputation. It centers on honor and self-respect, and it is closely tied to how a person is perceived within family, tribe, and community.

The core components of muruwwa include generosity and hospitality to guests, courage in the face of danger, loyalty to kin and tribe, truthfulness, and the keeping of promises. It also emphasizes self-control, restraint in disputing, and protection of the vulnerable, as well as the avoidance of shame and disgrace. Collectively, these traits were expected to sustain social order, enable mutual aid, and maintain dignity in public life.

Origins and cultural context trace muruwwa to pre-Islamic Bedouin and other Arab communities, where such virtues were embedded in daily behavior and the tribal code. Classical Arabic poetry and later historical writings describe muruwwa as a standard of conduct for honorable men. With the rise of Islam, some elements of muruwwa were harmonized with Islamic ethics, emphasizing justice, charity, and mercy, though tensions could arise where tribal vengeance or prestige conflicted with broader moral principles.

Gender and reception: while often discussed in male terms, the concept has been analyzed in relation to women's roles and to contemporary debates about gender and rights. In modern times, muruwwa is sometimes embraced as a cultural heritage and a universal ideal of character, but critics note that its traditional expressions can conflict with modern notions of equality and non-violence.

Overall, muruwwa remains a reference point in studies of Arab social ethics, illustrating how honor, generosity, and duty have shaped interpersonal conduct across historical periods.