Q&A for How to Greet in Islam

If you say the greeting wrong, the meaning is changed, but if it is done unintentionally, it is an innocent error. Take caution when saying it to make sure you say it correctly.

Simply say, "Kayfa haluk?" It is not Muslim-specific, it is a Standard Arabic expression, and you can address it to Arab Muslims and non-Muslims.

Simply say "Good day" (in whatever language). Muslims are not averse to socialising. We believe that all people are the same and equal, and that we live in different cultures and know several languages. "Good day" has no specific phrase in religion, if you speak with Arabic person you can say Yaum Saied, but remember not all Muslims are Arab, and not all Arabs are Muslims.

You may say: "Shukran." "Thank you very much" is "Shukran Jazeelan." The reply to that is : "Afwan" and means "you are most welcome."

Muslim women wear head cover (hijab) as a form of modesty and to cover their hair and must cover everything except her face, hands, and feet after she has reached the age of puberty except around family. They should ideally wear it whenever they go out.

Yes.

Men can hug each other, but a man cannot embrace a woman unless they are married.

By saying "kul aam wa ant bekhir" or "eid mubarak."

It is obligatory for you to return the greeting; you do not need to shake her hand, but you still need to reply back with the Islamic greeting.

They are both the same. "Assalamualaikum" is just the proper way, although some people are in a rush so "salamuaikum" comes out of their mouth.

Yes, you can.

Because none of the prophets said it. "Salam" means "peace" and that is why it is promoted by the Quran. Note that non-Muslims can greet Muslims by saying "Hello".

The phrase means "may Allah bless you." The reply is "wa feek(i) / wa feekum," meaning "may Allah bless you, too."

Yes, that is permissible because you are both girls. It is not permissible for a boy and girl, unrelated, to hug each other. Women do not need to observe the full hijab in front of other women - Muslim or non-Muslim - according to the verse, “… and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands… or their women…” [al-Noor 24:31].

Men can shake hands so I'll assume you're female! Wearing a hijab will help: if they are used to Muslim women, they will know what to expect; if not, they will most likely attribute your refusal to your customs. Use the politest words you can think of and have them ready in advance.

A non-Muslim woman or man can greet a Muslim woman or man however they'd like. There are no specific rules. The Muslim can respond, but they must do so modestly. If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim with the correct shar’i greeting (i.e. ‘Al-salaamu alaykum’), the majority of scholars said that we do have to return the greeting, and this is the correct view.

No. Simply greet everyone with kindness.

It depends on your gender. A Muslim should only shake hands with someone of the same sex, so if you're male, then it wouldn't be a problem.

A Muslim girl must not be alone with a man, regardless of religion, if that man is unrelated. So, no, unless there is a related person such as a father or brother in the room, that is not allowed.

Yes, he absolutely can do that, and they should be able to accommodate that request.

Absolutely, as long as it is a good conversation, not involving inappropriate talk.

A non-Muslim woman can see a Muslim woman's hair, because for Muslim women, the part of the body that needs to be covered is from the navel to the knee. However, in front of unrelated non-Muslim men, it is not allowed for her to show her hair.

Wa anta fa jazakmullahu chair. ("And may blessings be showered upon you, too.")

All Muslims greet with "asalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu," and the other person should reply with "walaikum salaam warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu!" In this manner the greeting is done and you are able to gain huge rewards just by this simple act!

You can read the article Become a Muslim to learn how to convert to Islam. Visit a local mosque to find out more about the religion and find someone who can help you convert.

You can say "Assalamu Alaikum (wa Rahamtullahi wa Barakatuh)", or say "May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you". If you want, you can also end the letter with "was-Salaamu Alaikum".

No. You must respond.

This is something that hasn't been prescribed in Islam, or discussed, for that matter; it may be done to respectfully turn down a handshake.

Yes, because they are both women, so it is fine for them to touch and for the woman to remove her headscarf. However, this does not apply when Muslim women are meeting Muslim men.

If someone greets you, whether or not they are a mahram, you should reply back. However, for a non-mahram, you are not allowed to extend your hand even if they do so, as they are not a mahram to you; therefore, it is impermissible for you to touch her.