Majlis

The word Majlis comes from the Arabic language and means 'sitting room'. It describes special spaces in homes or buildings where people gather to welcome guests, spend time together, and have conversations.

In many homes, a majlis is a cozy area where families and friends meet to talk, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. It is often a warm and welcoming place where people feel comfortable.

Majlis spaces are also used in some public buildings, like places where leaders meet to discuss important matters. Whether in a home or a council building, a majlis is a place for connection and discussion.

Etymology

Majlis is the Arabic word for a "sitting room." It comes from a verb that means 'to sit'. This idea is similar to the British English words 'sitting room' and 'seat of government'.

The word can also be written as Mejlis or Majles.

History

In pre-Islamic Arabia, a majlis was a tribal council where men made decisions about things that mattered to their group. At home, people used the majlis as a special space to welcome guests when they lived in tents. The leader, called a Sheikh, would lead these meetings.

Later, during the Rashidun Caliphate, a group called the Majlis al-Shura was created to choose a new leader. Writers like Al-Mawardi said that the people in these meetings needed to be fair, wise, and able to pick the best leader. So, the majlis shows both the history of Arab communities and the importance of including everyone and choosing good leaders.

Residential

A majlis is a special room in an Arab home where families welcome and entertain guests. It shows the warm and welcoming nature of Arab culture. In these rooms, cushions are often placed along the walls for guests to sit on, either on the floor or on a raised shelf.

In many Arab homes, the majlis acts like a living room where visitors are entertained. Unlike Western living rooms, the majlis holds deep cultural and social meaning. Women often play a big role in decorating the majlis, choosing colors and designs that reflect their style and culture. In places like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, special patterns and bright colors are used to make these rooms beautiful.

Majlis spaces are also found in public places such as airports, showing how important hospitality is in Arab culture. For example, an airport in Abha was designed to look like a traditional majlis, celebrating the region's heritage. Even in modern times, the design of these rooms reminds people of the rich traditions of Arab hospitality.

Legislatures

In many countries, a majlis is a special space where important decisions are made. For example, in Azerbaijan, the National Assembly is called Milli Məclis. In Kuwait, the National Assembly is known as Majlis-al-Umma. Each country may use the word majlis in its own special way to name important groups that help make decisions.

Some other countries that use the term majlis for their important groups include Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, and Uzbekistan. Each of these places has its own name for its important decision-making groups.

Inscription on UNESCO

On 4 December 2015, the majlis was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This happened because many countries worked together: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar. This shows how important the majlis is for bringing families, friends, and communities together over time. It helps make sure these special meeting places continue to exist and be used.