When traveling to Muslim countries take the opportunity to learn more about Islam. Read a good informative book before leaving home and once there see for your self. If you have the opportunity to visit a Mosque go for it. But remember to dress appropriately since this is a place of worship.
Linn Ekholm, University student in Sweden
Whether abroad or in Egypt, when dealing with non-Muslim western males, they tend to greet me by a hug or a kiss. This puts me in an awkward situation as I have to tell the person "sorry I cannot do that!" which is very embarrassing to both of us. Some feel very offended, even when I explain why. I advise non-Muslims dealing with Muslims of the opposite sex to give verbal greetings or a handshake.
When dining with non-Muslim foreigners, I am sometimes asked to order them alcoholic drinks (till they take a call or go to the bathroom and come back). It is against our religion to drink alcohol, or deal with it in anyway, so basically I can't do that. Please try to refrain from drinking alcohol when dining with a Muslim.
Marwa Hamdy, IT Consultant, Cairo
Here is a tip from the Quran for both Muslims and non-Muslims: the Quran is clear on cultural exchange being one of the main reasons of creating people into nations and tribes so they may know each other (Quran, 49:13) so read before you meet others of another culture. Respect local customs and traditions, yet remember you’re not under any obligation to participate in activities which contradict your beliefs. Be friendly, courteous, and helpful to others, while retaining your dignity and identity. Be prepared to answer strange or offensive questions about your culture patiently and politely, many people are misinformed about cross-cultural issues, and you can easily promote understanding if you’re aware of these controversial issues.
Sahar El-Nadi, Culture Consultant, Cairo
I was aboard a flight transiting in Europe, sitting by a couple who didn't speak much English. We greeted each other briefly and were friendly & at ease. But as soon as I needed to put on a headscarf & pray in my seat, there was tension in the air! And this was before 9/11!! I wish I talked their language to explain that I was just praying. I want to send out a message that if you see someone raising both hands up to their ears & bending & straightening up, they are probably just praying, it's not black-magic or anything! Praying 5 times a day keeps us connected to God & is a form of meditation, but most importantly, the cornerstone of our religion, Islam. So please try to appreciate that we live what we believe in. Islam helps make us pleasant people, the world a better place &
gives purpose to our existence & direction to our lives.
Yassmine Gabr, Egyptian-American Muslim Physician.
As a convert to Islam I have experienced both sides of the coin. After my conversion, one of my friends was asked: 'Do you understand why she now wears a veil? And do you ever speak to her about her conversion?' She replied that my choice for the Islam was not important to her. What’s important to her are my character and the way I deal with her and others. I really appreciated her answer; it felt good to know that I am being judged on what is important: what is inside and not what is outside. Therefore my tip would be to both Muslims as well as non-Muslims: no matter what religion or ideas another person might have a good understanding and maybe the start of a new friendship, starts with the respect for your fellow human-being. You don't need to understand each others ideas, you just need to understand that it is a part of that other person and respect that.
Inge Warga, Dutch Muslim
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It is very common in Europe and America to have the "Halal" label on food products, due to existing Muslim and Jewish communities. If you can't find the label, you can always ask, and someone will definitely guide you.
Marwa Hamdy, IT Consultant, Cairo
The last time I travelled by airplane, I ordered a Halal meal when I bought my ticket. Once on the plane I found that the "Muslim meal" is the same as the "Hindu meal" which meant that I was stuck with curry chicken. If you like that sort of thing, that's fine but next time I think I'll order either Kosher or vegetarian.
Melinda, homemaker in Cairo
Gift-Giving is a great Islamic tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to plant love in the hearts of others. So when you travel, remember to take with you some small souvenirs: for example I always carry papyrus bookmarks with Arabic writing on them such as a couple of lines of poetry about peace or friendship, they’re cheap and light to carry in big numbers, and they send out a cultural message of the importance of writing/ reading/ learning to Muslims since thousands of years ago. I still remember a Japanese group of students I met in Niagara Falls 12 years ago, because they gave me a tiny Japanese “origami” paper doll in a colorful Kimono structured around a wooden toothpick! I still have it till now, and it still holds a special memory for me even after I had visited Japan myself a few years later. If you have no gifts and want to be nice to someone, be creative: offer to write their names in Arabic and have them try to copy in their own handwriting, or give them a local coin or stamp with a scene or writings from your culture.
Sahar El-Nadi, Culture Consultant, Cairo
I have found that when I am meeting non-Muslim men and expect they will wish to shake my hand it is useful to use body language mixed with an immediate apology if they insist. For example: I place my hands behind my back and look down (most men catch the shyness and do not offer and others still do so I say " my religion does not permit women to shake hands with males outside the family or I would so please forgive me". usually they make some remake about how we all need to be sensitive to others culture....but never has anybody been offended.
Umm Abdur-Rahman, American Muslim from Texas
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