In the era of globalization, we often meet people who are different from us. This can happen especially in international business situations. Would you like to greet Muslims with respect? The following few simple rules can help you do that.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Greet Muslim If You Are Non-Muslim
Step 1. Use greetings when greeting Muslims
Greet a Muslim as they do to each other.
- Use the phrase Assalamualaikum ("May peace be upon you").
- This phrase is pronounced "As-sa-laa-muu-alay-kum".
- You can use a longer greeting such as Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh ("May peace, mercy and blessings from Allah be upon you as well").
- This phrase is pronounced "As-sa-laa-mu-alay-kum wa-rah-ma-tull-laa-hi wa-bara-kaa-tuh".
Step 2. Don't expect greetings from a Muslim
Usually, greetings are addressed to fellow Muslims. Therefore, if you are not a Muslim, you may not accept this greeting.
- Some modern Islamic leaders believe that Muslims are allowed to greet non-Muslims for the sake of peace and tolerance among human beings.
- If you receive a greeting, reply with waalaikumsalam wa rahmatullah.
- The pronunciation is "waa-alay-kumus-salam wa-rah-ma-tull-laah."
- Which means "May peace, mercy and blessings from Allah be upon you too."
Step 3. Expect a Muslim to return the greeting
If you greet with a greeting, Muslims will return the greeting to non-Muslims with a greeting (waalaikumsalam wa rahmatullah).
- Muslims are required to return the greeting, regardless of the religion of the person who greets first. Refusing to return greetings is an act that is against their religion.
- Based on the Koran (the holy book of Muslims), greetings have been mandated and commanded by Allah since the creation of Adam.
Method 2 of 3: Shake Hands
Step 1. If you are a male, Muslim male handshake
It is customary for Muslim men to shake hands with one another.
- In general, there is no prohibition for Muslim men from shaking another man's hand.
- There are exceptions for Shia Muslims who forbid shaking hands with non-Muslims.
- Don't be offended when a Muslim refuses to shake hands with you. This is not a personal insult but rather a reflection of their religious beliefs.
Step 2. If you are a man, do not shake hands with Muslim women
While there is debate over the appropriateness of shaking hands between Muslim women and men, you should not do so unless the woman initiates contact.
- Many Muslim women do not shake a man's hand because of the religious prohibition against women being touched by men outside their families.
- Some Muslim women, especially those working in a corporate environment, can shake hands with men.
- Some Muslim women wear gloves to guard against touching men who are not their family members.
Step 3. If you are a woman, do not shake hands with Muslim men
Whatever your religious beliefs, you should never shake a Muslim man's hand unless he initiates contact.
- A devout Muslim man does not touch women who are not his family (wife, daughter, mother, etc.)
- Refrain from touching a woman who is not her family is seen as an attitude of respect and humility.
Method 3 of 3: Greet Fellow Muslims
Step 1. Greet your Muslim colleagues with the hope of safety
Everyone should always greet fellow Muslims.
- Assalamualaikum is the most common greeting among Muslims.
- This greeting is the minimum greeting that must be said in greeting Muslims.
- You are allowed to use these minimal words when you have little time, such as when you pass each other on the street.
- Add wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh to complete the greeting.
Step 2. Remember that Allah commands Muslims to greet one another
Be aware of the rules about who should initiate the greeting first.
- New arrivals greet the Muslims who have gathered.
- People who drive greet people who walk.
- The person walking greets the person sitting.
- The smaller group greets the larger group.
- Younger people greet older people.
- Say hello when you arrive and leave the group.
Step 3. Reply greetings
Always return the greetings you receive.
- Reply with waalaikumsalam wa rahmatullah.
- It is allowed to reply to the greeting only with the first part (waalaikumsalam).
Tips
- Muslim children should be greeted with greetings so that they will know more about Islamic etiquette.
- If you are talking to non-Muslims from all over the world, as a Muslim you can use the words hello, good morning, etc.
- Say hello to people you don't know as well as people you know.
