The Big Deal With First-Born Sons

Abu Ashraf means Father of Ashraf, his first-born son.
Umm Fahd (pronounced Fahad) means Mother of Fahd, her first-born son.

It's funny how Arab parents lose their names as soon as the first son is born. But, when you're a sheikh, you're still called a sheikh. Lucky fellow!

In every culture, there is a significant bearing to the father when his wife bears a son. This concept dates back in biblical times. The first-born son is believed to have the blood flowing purest and strongest in them. They belong to God. This is also why the first born in cattles are sacrificed as an offering to God. The very reason having a son is such a big deal is because of this belief and it is so ingrained in our subconscious that it is practically true in every country or culture.

Attached to being the first-born son are privileges based on this concept. They have the greatest share in paternal love. They are next to the father in every way. They hold a certain authority over the younger siblings. They get extra special blessings at their father's death. They automatically succeed their father as the next head of the family. They even get double portion of blessings among their younger brothers.

As a woman, thank God this is not always true anymore!

What happens when the first born is a girl? Well, nothing really. She will not have the same privileges as the first born son. At best, she'll be considered the first bundle of joy. Because, when she comes of age, she'll marry a man and she will be duty-bound to her husband. All the privileges will come to waste. It is very reasonable when you think about it. But, with some traditions dying over time, empowered women rose above the social issue of gender bias by fighting for women's rights. This paved the way of equality among men and women.

Still, it is amazing how this prehistoric concept has remnants of practice at this day and age. Great value is still attached to first-born sons. In countries that still have ruling families like England, Spain and even UAE, the first born son inherits the title of ruler or king. And specially with Arab people, parents get new names as soon as the first son becomes part of the family. Of course, they still write their real names in the forms but among Arabs, they are called differently. And I guess having a son is such a great honor to a family that they want to announce to everyone that hey, this Mum & Dad got a son!