General+Attitudes

Traditionally, rural Afghans value wealth as defined by land ownership or a large family. Urban residents are more likely to view wealth in terms of money or possessions. Nomadic Afghans traditionally define wealth by the size of their herds. People's outlook on life is influenced by a great faith that //Allah// controls everything and that everything happens according to his will. This belief helps Afghans accept a very hard life, even if it somewhat dampens personal initiative to rise above difficult circumstances. || During Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, all are required to fast from dawn to dusk and can only work six hours per day. They cannot eat, drink, smoke cigarette, or even chew gum. Foreignes are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. || Hospitality is an essential aspect of Afghan culture. If you visit another home, you will be given the best the family has, it relates back to the idea of gaining honor. ||
 * Afghans are generally friendly and hospitable. Afghans, depending on war experiences, can be stern, hard, and judgmental. Afghans highly value knowledge, wisdom, and education. They have various social codes that are strict and inflexible, they stress honor to one's self and family.
 * [[image:apperance.jpg width="130" height="186" link="http://traversa.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/wave.jpg"]] || [[image:http://online.culturegrams.com/world/images/spacer.gif width="4" height="1"]] Nearly all men in Afghanistan wear a //perahan tunban//. This consists of a knee-length shirt (//perahan//) worn over baggy trousers (//tunban//) that are pulled tight with a drawstring. Men may wear a dress coat or open vest (//vaskot//) over the //perahan tunban//. Sandals, sneakers, boots, or dress shoes—all common footwear—are removed for prayers. Pashtun and Nuristani men cover their heads with a flat wool cap. The most common headwear is a //lungi// (turban) with a //kolah// (turban cap) in a color and design that can be distinctive of the wearer's ethnic or regional background. ||
 * Islam is practiced by majority of Afghans and they follow it for much of their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Most shops and offices are closed on Friday, for Friday is the Muslim holy day. Government offices and businesses may also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
 * [[image:afgan-pic.jpg width="240" height="153" link="http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/images/afghan/afgan-pic.jpg"]] || Family is the most important unit in Afghan culture. Man and woman's roles are defined along traditional lines, women are responsible for household duties and men will be the money-makers. Families arrange marriages for their children. Many factors go into this choice, including tribe, status, network, and wealth. Family is sacred in the Muslim world, probing or inquiring about a family's problem is not advised.

Citation "Afghanistan." //CultureGrams World Edition//. 2008. ProQuest. 30 Apr 2009 .

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/afghanistan.html