In the Middle East, cultural norms play an essential role in shaping social behavior and values, particularly when it comes to topics like premarital sexual ethics, relational conduct, and communal moral expectations. This is true for Jordanians who adhere to traditional Islamic beliefs. Although many scholars have conducted research on these issues, there is still limited knowledge regarding how religious norms influence people's attitudes towards sex, romance, and love. In this article, I will explore the ways in which Islamic teachings inform Jordanian society's perceptions of premarital sex, dating, and marriage.
Premarital Sex
Jordan is a conservative country that values modesty and chastity. The Quran prohibits premarital sex between unmarried men and women. It also forbids all forms of extramarital intimacy outside the bounds of marriage.
Many young adults in Jordan are engaging in premarital sexual activities despite these restrictions. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Family Health, approximately one out of every five young Jordanians has had sex before marriage. The reasons behind this trend vary from person to person but typically involve factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, or a desire to experiment.
Relational Conduct
Jordanian culture emphasizes family and community ties above all else. As such, relationships must be cultivated within a specific framework based on mutual respect, loyalty, and responsibility. Romantic relationships between men and women are expected to lead to marriage if they wish to pursue them further. Dating is discouraged because it implies an immoral relationship not sanctioned by Islamic law.
Jordanian families often arrange marriages through matchmakers who consider factors like religion, social class, family background, and education level. This traditional approach ensures that couples meet under acceptable circumstances and have similar religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
Marriage
Jordanians believe that marriage is sacred and should only take place after careful consideration. Muslim scholars consider marriage to be a solemn commitment that binds two people together for life, so divorce is rarely allowed without good reason. Jordanian society places high expectations on married couples, requiring them to maintain a loving, harmonious relationship while upholding strict gender roles. Men are primarily responsible for financial stability, physical protection, and emotional support, while women handle domestic duties and child-rearing. Divorce rates in Jordan are relatively low compared to Western nations, indicating the success of these norms in preserving marital bonds.
This article has explored how religious norms shape premarital sexual ethics, relational conduct, and communal moral expectations in Jordan. Although there is some deviation from tradition among younger generations, the majority of Jordanians adhere closely to Islamic principles regarding sex and relationships. These values promote modesty, chastity, and stability within the family unit, which helps preserve societal cohesion. As such, they will likely continue to influence Jordan's culture for years to come.
How do religious norms in Jordan shape premarital sexual ethics, relational conduct, and communal moral expectations?
Although there are some variations across sectarian affiliation, social class, region, and other demographic factors, it is generally accepted that traditional gender roles and conservative values play an important role in shaping sexual morality among Jordanians. In particular, marriages are typically arranged by families at a young age and virginity is highly valued before marriage, with most couples waiting until their wedding night for intercourse.