How to greet a Muslim woman?

Hi all

I have mentioned before a Muslim woman in my neighbourhood, who despite severe communication problems I have become 'friendly' with.
She is older than I am, possibly in her 40's - I don't know if that is relevant in any way.
She has two young boys, who live with her. She does not have a huband that I know of. I don't know if she is widowed, or if the boys are not actually her own children.
She came to England from Pakistan a couple of years ago with the boys.

That's just some background information.

When I meet her in the street, we wave at each other and say hello, exchange a few words (well, we only know a few words!) and continue on our way.

Now my husband has become a little uncomfortable when he meets her in the street - because he doesn't know how to behave appropriately.
How should he greet her, when he (alone) meets her (alone) in the street?
Pretend he hasn't seen her?
Just say hello?

This may seem a daft question to ask, and if he wasn't a Muslim woman it would not be a issue ... but he doesn't want to do anything to offend or embarrass her.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Hi Fi_Sabilillah

Thanks for your advice.

My husband felt that might be the best thing to do, too.
It's just that from a Westerner' point of view it seems actually quite rude to not acknowledge somebody by at least nodding your head or saying hello briefly ...

Yeah, i understand what you mean. But in other cultures, it may seem offensive to a woman if a stranger from the opposite gender nods to her, or greets her - especially when they aren't any other people there.


Peace.

Fi_Sabilillah said:

Yeah, i understand what you mean. But in other cultures, it may seem offensive to a woman if a stranger from the opposite gender nods to her, or greets her - especially when they aren't any other people there.


Peace.

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Yes, I understand.
My husband is also worried that it will put her in a bad light within her Muslim community if she is seen greeting him or speaking to him.
I tell you, it all seems sooo complicated, not offending people from other cultures ... :X

peace.

Thanks for your comments.

Does anybody else have any suggestions in this matter?

thanks.

Hiya

Fi sabilillah pretty much summed it up.

Also, if the lady ses hello to him first then he can say hello back to her, but i wud let her do the greeting thing first other wise he shud just ignore her, or if she smiles then smile back etc.

Daffodil said:

Hiya

Fi sabilillah pretty much summed it up.

Also, if the lady ses hello to him first then he can say hello back to her, but i wud let her do the greeting thing first other wise he shud just ignore her, or if she smiles then smile back etc.

Click to expand...

salam

i think i agree with this post if the woman initiate then it wise for your hus to do so. then otherwise just igonre.

wassalam