Muslims regard Islam as an integral part of daily life, resulting in an ordered society in which a person's social, spiritual and economic status is clearly defined. This way of life is for the most part drawn from the Quran. Greetings and replies in particular are formal and stylised. Manners and courtesy reflect a deeply-held convention of hospitality and mutual respect. It is customary for Muslim households to extend hospitality to people whom Western society would disregard socially. For instance, tradition dictates that anyone who appears at meal times must be invited to share the meal, and this would apply as much to strangers or tradesmen, whatever the reason for their call, as it would to friends or relatives. Hospitality was a part of Arab culture before Islam and the laws and teaching of Islam reinforced it. Subjects such as illness or death are not surrounded by taboo as they are in many Western societies, and are discussed with frankness by all. Muslims are encouraged to have close relationships and keep an open heart, an understanding of others and to try and help with their problems. The label of a family can cover any number of individuals rather than just those related by blood ties. Arab families are close-knit, and the importance of family unity cannot be stressed too strongly. Inter-family disputes are a cause for public shame and require immediate attention. Giving and receiving Always use the right hand. To offer gifts with the left hand is considered an insult. Gambling is considered by most Islamic countries to be an evil, and is strictly outlawed.

Although many countries cultivate hashish or marijuana, it is not culturally acceptable and in the majority of countries the possession, use or trading of drugs is severely punished. Drug abuse is not permitted in Islam, particularly hard drugs such as heroin, morphine or cocaine, but also any drug which interferes with the consciousness, reasoning or judgment, affecting work, study or family life. The consumption of alcohol is forbidden by law. Many non-practising Muslims will, however, drink alcohol and will offer drinks to guests when outside their own country. Most Islamic countries (with the exception of Libya, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) permit the sale and consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims. Generally the sale of alcohol will be confined to international hotels, but visitors may in some cases buy alcohol from wholesalers with a permit from their company or local Embassy. Bars are usually closed during Ramadan. Never drink alcohol while eating. Drunkenness is considered disgraceful, and the visitor is advised to never consume more than he or she can gracefully manage.

Smoking is also discouraged in Islam because of the health hazards associated with it. However, do not refuse a cigarette unless you are an ardent non-smoker, as an offer of a cigarette is often a compliment, especially from one's host. If invited to smoke a narghileh (hookah) do not refuse and follow the ritual behavior exhibited. This essentially social activity is popular in some  (Pakistan), but by no means all, Arab countries. 

Pork is forbidden by Islamic law and all meat is killed by cutting the animal's throat and draining the blood. This is called halal meat. It is customary for the host/hostess to cut up whole items of food (especially with mezzeh, the Arabic equivalent of hors d'oeuvres) and distribute them. It is also customary to offer guests the most succulent parts of the meal, often the entrails or eyes. To refuse these is considered an insult. In restaurants the person who makes the invitation pays the bill and it is considered an insult to contravene.

.           Social Conventions
Forms of address: The Arabic equivalent of 'Mr' is Sayyid(for Muslims) and Khawaja (for Christians), while married women should be addressed as Sayyida or Sitt, and girls as Anissa. In Islam it is also encouraged to call a Muslim man 'my brother' and a Muslim woman 'my sister'. Islam regards men as equal, but social conventions, hospitality and politeness of Islamic societies prevent over familiarity.
                        Greeting

There follows a short list of Arabic greetings and phrases. The transliterations are phonetic and intended to assist pronunciation.

Marharba - Hello
Markhabtain - Hello (reply)
Ma'a Salama - Goodbye
Ahlan wa sahlan - Welcome
Ahlan feekum - Welcome (reply)
Sabah al-khir - Good morning
Sabah innoor - Good morning (reply)
These were all originally purely Arabic greetings. In Islam the common greeting still widely used is Assalmu Alaykum ('Peace be with you').
        Clothing conventions

 These are derived in part from religious beliefs and in part from climatic necessity. Western business suits are only practical during the summer if they are lightweight. Businessmen will be accepted if they wear open-necked shirts, as long as they are well turned out. Women are advised not to wear revealing clothes as this will attract unwelcome attention or ridicule at best, and resentment and hostility at worst. Women should also cover their heads when entering a Mosque. Muslim women are generally advised to show face and hands only. Do not sit in a position which places the soles of the feet towards anyone, as this is considered a deliberate insult. Shoes should be removed upon entering a Mosque or a house.
                 Sexual politics

 Remember the position that women hold in Islam , and that some gestures considered normal by westerners can be interpreted as serious insults. Divorce and marriage are considered civil matters and while divorce is not a common practice it is relatively easy. Adultery is considered an insult to Allah and society and severely punished, often by flogging, but sometimes by stoning