Veiled Sentiments

‘Agl means self-control and stoicism in the face of life. It is a particularly important quality for men in Awlad ‘Ali society, as it is seen as a test of masculinity and maturity, and it grants prestige. Abu-Lughod sees it as a form of veiling one’s emotions and therefore views poetry as a demonstration of ‘agl. Furthermore, as she explores the role of women and sexuality in Awlad ‘Al society, Abu-Lughod suggests that sexuality is the antithesis of ‘agl because it suggests that one cannot control their desires.

The Awlad ‘Al define aṣl as the nobility that is passed through the bloodlines of the Bedouin people. They view moral virtues like honor, modesty, generosity, hospitality, and courage as traits inherited through a pure Bedouin lineage. Abu-Lughod is interested in this concept partly because it refutes her ideas that the Bedouin way of life is declining.

The Bedouin are Arabic-speaking, pastorally nomadic peoples from deserts in the Middle East, including North Africa. Traditionally, they herd animals and move around to follow weather and grazing patterns. They have a tribal structure and a patriarchal society that emphasizes honor and moral virtue.

Ghinnāwas are short, sung poems that express emotions, usually negative and usually about romance between men and women, particularly thwarted love. They are generally associated with and sung by women, and they represent a significant departure from ‘agl in Awlad ‘Ali society. Abu-Lughod studies the relationship between these poems and Awlad ‘Ali social life, particularly in terms of the emotional link that they provide between singer and listener. She views them as a kind of veil because they hide and reveal qualities about the singer.

The Haj is the patriarch of a family home in the patriarchal, familial structure of Awlad ‘Ali society. Abu-Lughod records her interactions with the Haj of the home in which she stays. Because her Muslim father introduces her to the Haj, the Haj accepts her as a daughter figure.

Ḥasham refers to modesty in Awlad ‘Ali society; while ‘agl allows men to earn respect, ḥasham allows women to earn respect. It is seen as a voluntary act, as well as a way to protect people from the embarrassment of others displaying extreme emotion, such as a man sexually desiring a woman. Segregation, veiling, and not looking superiors in the eyes are all manifestations of ḥasham.

‘Ishra means “living with” or “maternal kinship and coresidence” (59), and it refers to the practice of living with people who are not technically kin but with whom one gains a kinship-like bond. It shapes relationships in Bedouin society, and it underpins Abu-Lughod’s presence in the community as she lives with people with whom she is not related.