Muslim man shaking womens hands - how do I avoid it?

Brother just tell them that my religion does not allow me to shake hands with the opposite sex.

Simple. I have said that and it has worked for me many times, in fact they even respect me because I say that.

Where are you living brother ?.
Except shaking hands, is there another style of greeting that you can use ?.

I'm living in Southeast Asia, and when I meet a woman I never shake her hand but I use a traditional style greeting without touching her hand.

Even when I first meet someone?

It could be a little awkward, that all me colleagues shake a group of peoples hands but when it comes to me and greeting the opposite sex, I say sorry I cant? (I dont mind trying lol)

It is a non muslims environment I work in, could that not appear a little sexiest to non-muslims? Even after I explained why, the may see it as oppressive. How do you recommend I explain it (like exact word-for-word of what I would say please)

and then if I did explain it that could get a little embarrassing for the persons, whom i did shake hands with.

I just want to re-say that I completely agree with this islamically, but I dont want to portray myself in a way that gives my religion a negative appearance.

thanks

format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow

I just say hello or good morning/afternoon to avoid shaking hands with them. It works all the time.

Thats what I do when I can, but what when they extend their hand to shake.

format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow

I just say hello or good morning/afternoon to avoid shaking hands with them. It works all the time.

Good Idea.

format_quote Originally Posted by ardianto

Good Idea.

Yea, thats actually perfect lol. Never really thought of that.

I shall give it a go lol lol

format_quote Originally Posted by ardianto

Good Idea.

ya it worked thanxxxxx

This is what I do, just look em in the eyes and pretend you can't see their hands or carry stuff in both hands so you don't have any free hands to shake brapp! brapp!

sometimes I just ignore em straight and leave them hanging, then they can work it out, bruv if you have a beard it might make them think about it themselves

In western culture, the handshake means so many positive things and refusal to shake that extended hand brings many negative connotations. Like it or not that is fact, it is right at the top in terms of importance as part of that culture. You are deluding yourself if you think that it will not be badly received. Another part of that culture is being polite and not making someone feel uncomfortable and that’s when people will tell you that “they understand” and “it’s perfectly alright;” they don’t understand and they will perceive you as culturally incompatible with them. That’s just the way people are, it would be the same in a Muslims country if someone did something which was similarly contra culture.

salaam. whenever this happens to me, but the other way round with a guy i just simply say 'sorry i don't shake hands' and they usually understand and apologise for putting out there hand! lol and if they ask why, just give them an honest answer, it'l make them more aware next time. although no1 has asked me why theyre usually (actually all the time) very understanding. after all to greet someone you dont have to make unncessary physical contact. im in a profession wich requires a lot of contact with people from al walks of life and they usually hold out there hand to be greeted so its no big deal telling them how it is.......hope that helps

i went to view a property today and didnt expect a mushrik sikh woman to turn up, anyway she extended her hand and i just thought is she muslim? she should know we dont shake hands.

So i said "Sorry i'm muslim i dont shake hands with women"

She was like "Oh. Ok."

But we carried on as though nothing happened.

Then the muslim guy (has a beard) who is the land lord of the property, walks up and shakes hands with the woman!!

I'm left thinking, there's me trying to give dawah by example and this silly person ruins it all.

What impression of islam must she have been left with?

just tell them u have a rare skin disease which effects others if they touch you. muahaaahahahahahahah

Yeah I think you should just simple clarify it to them and tell them straight forwardly that you can't shake hands with the opposite gender. This happened to my dad once when he came to college for parents evening and my teacher extended her hand and my dad was like:'' I don't want to be perceived as being rude person but I can't shake hands''. And she was like totally fine with it. I hope it helps Insha'Allah.
Salaam alaikum..