Community March 26, 2026 at 5:03 pm

Jordanian Filmmaker Kasem Hato Recently Visited Iraq… And What Happened There Honestly Surprised Him

Jordanian filmmaker Kasem Hato recently embarked on a trip to Iraq that left him utterly astonished. Throughout his journey, he found himself in a delightful predicament: no matter where he went, from bustling food spots to local transport, people consistently refused to accept his money, insisting everything was ‘on the house.’

Imagine trying to pay for your meal, only to be met with a warm smile and a firm ‘No, you’re our guest!’ That’s exactly what Kasem Hato experienced in Iraq. Locals would greet him with ‘السلام عليكم حسابكم واصل جاي وياي نورتنا وشرفتنا’ (Peace be upon you, your account is settled, you’ve honored us with your presence), making it clear that his visit was a cause for celebration, not a transaction. When he’d ask, ‘Why are you going to a restaurant? Our home is close by,’ it wasn’t just an invitation; it was a heartfelt plea to share their hospitality. Every attempt to settle the bill, whether for a delicious meal or a simple cup of tea, was met with a resounding ‘لا لا والله أنت ضيفنا ما يصير’ (No, no, by God, you are our guest, it’s not right). This incredible generosity highlighted just how deeply rooted hospitality is in Iraqi culture, turning every stop into a heartwarming encounter.

The Iraqi spirit of giving didn’t stop at food and drinks; it extended to every aspect of Kasem’s journey. He recounted how locals would passionately declare, ‘العراق عراقكم وبلدكم الأول وليس الثاني’ (Iraq is your Iraq, and your first country, not your second), or simply, ‘العراق بلدك الثاني’ (Iraq is your second country), making him feel truly at home. Even when he tried to pay for his bus fare, the response was an emphatic ‘نهائيًا نهائيًا يا أخي ما راح ياخذ منك ما راح ياخذ منك!’ (Absolutely not, absolutely not, my brother, they won’t take it from you, they won’t take it from you!). One particularly memorable moment saw someone step in and pay for his bus ticket, exclaiming, ‘لا لا لا لا أنا بدفع!’ (No, no, no, no, I’ll pay!). This overwhelming kindness, especially from those who learned he was ‘من الأردن’ (from Jordan), was always met with ‘على راسنا والله على راسي انتو كلكم’ (You are on our heads, by God, you are all on our heads), a profound expression of respect and welcome.

This extraordinary level of hospitality, where guests are treated like family, isn’t just a random act of kindness; it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations. As the locals explained, ‘السائح (الضيف) يجيب رزقه وياه يأكل أبو المكان برزق السائح والضيف لما يطلع يشيل ذنوب أبو البيت يرميهم بالخارج علمونا أهلنا هذا الكلام’ (The tourist (guest) brings his sustenance with him, and the host eats from the guest’s sustenance. When the guest leaves, he takes the sins of the host and throws them outside. Our parents taught us this). This beautiful philosophy means that welcoming a guest is believed to bring blessings and even cleanse the host of sins. It’s a powerful reminder of the profound cultural values that shape interactions in Iraq, making Kasem Hato’s visit not just a trip, but a truly unforgettable experience filled with unparalleled warmth and generosity.

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