post 100/365

Greetings in the Arabic language are one of its treasures. The beautiful heartfelt words that one greets another human being in Arabic casts a certain air of fondness and kindliness that is not present in any other language. There is a saying, “you never have a second chance to make a very good first impression.” I believe that to be true when it comes to greetings; that moment when you catch someone’s eyes and you both smile, your body language and the way you greet one another, will set the mood and reveal your feelings about that person.

Ahla wa Sahla, is a heartfelt wish meaning may all who enter our home as guests leave as friends (you can read the post about it here): https://wordpress.com/post/365daysoflebanon.com/268

Now imagine the splendor of having to add to it the final touch of ultimate heartfelt affection, Nawaret.

Nawaret literally means the room or space lit up. It is always said in the present tense as to emphasize the fact that the room has just lit up as you walked in. I haven’t been able to find another singular word in any language that has the same beautiful denotation as this one, a word that has so much inference and warmth in it.

What this 4 letter word really means is this:

Welcome, you fuel my smile. Our easy conversation and laughter that I anticipate have brightened my day. Your presence right now has brought a wonderful thing in my life. You’ve unsealed my eyes with that light of yours and now I am ready to smile! That’s the effect you have on me.

You are beautiful inside out and your glow is a proof of that. You light up the room with your aura. Only people who love the sun and the light of the morning day will understand the significance of this. From my heart to yours, “ya Ahla wo sahla fik/fikeh, naweret” (I welcome you into my life, now that you are here, the room has just lit up)