In our era of globalization, we often come into contact with people we don't know.In international business settings this is true.Do you want to greet a Muslim in a respectful manner?A few simple rules will help you.
Step 1: When you meet a Muslim, use the Salam greeting.
As they would greet one another, greet a Muslim.The phrase "As-Salam-u-Alaikum" means "peace be unto you"."As-saa-laam-muu-ah-lay-kum" means "peace be unto you" in Arabic.It's called "us-saa-laam-muu-alie-kum waa-rah-ma-tull-LAA-hee
Step 2: Do not expect a greeting from a Muslim.
If you are not Muslim, you might not receive the Salam greeting.In the interest of global peace and understanding, some current Islamic scholars believe that it is permissible to start the Salam greeting with non-Muslims.Say "wa-Alaikumussalam wa-Rahmatullah" if you get the Salam greeting.The meaning is "may the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you"The longer response is "waa-alai-kum-us-salam-wa-rahma-tall-ahi-WA-ba-ra-ka-tu".
Step 3: A Muslim will return the greeting.
A Muslim will respond to a non-Muslim with a return greeting if they greet him with the Salam greeting.It is mandatory for a Muslim to return the Salam greeting to the other person regardless of their religion.It is against their religion to refuse this.The Qu'ran states that the Salam greeting has been mandatory since the creation of Adam and is commanded by Allah.Some Muslims will only return your greeting with "wa alaikum".It's their religious matter and has to do with the historic setting of Medina, where some non-Muslims greeted Muslims with "assam o alaikum".The practice is still being used.
Step 4: If you are a male Muslim, shake hands with him.
Muslim men shake hands.There is no rule against men shaking hands.Some Shia Muslims don't shake hands with non-Muslims.If a Muslim does not shake your hand, do not be offended.It is a reflection of their religious beliefs.
Step 5: If you are male, do not shake hands with female Muslims.
While there is debate on the appropriateness of female Muslims shaking hands with men, you should not do so unless she starts the contact.Many Muslim women do not shake hands with men due to religious prohibitions against a woman being touched by a man outside of her family.Women who work in corporate environments might shake hands with men.Some Muslim women wear gloves to get around the prohibition against touching a male who is not a relative.
Step 6: If you are female, don't shake hands with male Muslims.
If you want to reach for a male Muslim's hand, you need to initiate the contact.Pious Muslim men don't touch women outside of their family.Refraining from touching a woman she is not related to is a gesture of respect.
Step 7: Wishing your Muslim friend peace is a good way to greet them.
One should greet a Muslim."As-Salam-u-Alaikum" is the most common greeting among Muslims.When greeting a Muslim, this is the minimum.When time is short, it is permissible to use the minimum greeting.To complete the greeting, add "wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh".
Step 8: Allah wants Muslims to greet one another.
Be aware of the rules governing the greeting.The person who comes greets the Muslims.One of the two people is riding and the other is walking.One of the two people is walking and the other is sitting.The larger group is greeted by the smaller group.The young are greeting the elders.The Salam greeting is used when arriving and leaving a gathering.
Step 9: Return the greeting with joy.
Give a response to the greeting."wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullah" is how to respond.The first part is permissible to respond to.