from among yourselves.” [At-Ṭalāq 2]. He only commanded us to call them as witnesses so that we would accept their testimony, for ordering us to accept the testimony of one whose word is inadmissible would be pointless and idle speech.

As for muruʾah (honorable conduct), the scholars define it as: doing what beautifies and adorns a person, and refraining from what sullies and disgraces him.

In other words, muruʾah means behaving in ways that people see as dignified and praiseworthy while avoiding whatever they view as degrading and blameworthy. If someone were to perform an act in public that clashes with prevailing custom, the onlookers would deem it repulsive—something fit only for the low and base. We would therefore say that such a person is not upright, because his muruʾah is deficient; by acting contrary to accepted norms he has forfeited his social standing.

A current example: were a man in our country to go out after noon carrying his lunch on a plate, walk through the markets, and eat in front of everyone, his muruʾah would collapse in the people’s eyes, and he would become an object of ridicule and criticism.

By contrast, if a man were to sit at his doorway with a pot of tea and coffee to drink there, is that a breach of muruʾah or not?

We say: the matter requires some detail:

1 – If such behavior is customary, then it is not a breach of muruʾah, because it conforms to the people’s norm and is familiar to them—just as some of our elders do today. Early in the morning a man may spread a mat at his door, set out tea and coffee, drink in public, and greet passers-by with “Please join us.” There is nothing wrong with this, because it is customary.

2 – However, if he does this in a different manner, and the people