If someone offers to shake your hand while it is dirty, don't offer to shake with your left. Simply tell them that your hand is dirty, and offer your right forearm for him/her to shake instead.

With regards to writing, drawing, or any other activities, there is no preference between your left and right hands.

What to Say...

There are many books available which contain a whole host of Arabic sayings which apply to certain situations. Common examples include:

• Always greet your fellow muslims by saying Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you). The proper reply to this is Wa'laikum Salaam (And upon you be peace).
• Always say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) before starting to do anything, especially eating or travelling.
• If you sneeze, say Alhamdulillah (All praises and thanks to Allah). If you hear someone else sneeze, say Ya Harmuk Allah (May Allah be merciful to you).
• If you intend to do something, say Insha Allah (God Willing) - for example "I'm going to pray Isha at the mosque tonight, Insha Allah".

...And What Not To Say

• You should always speak to others in a calm and polite manner. Remember your please's and thank you's. Do your best not to swear or talk in a way that may offend or hurt others, no matter what they may say to you.
• Never talk in a vain or boastful manner - pride comes before a fall!!
• Avoid all forms of gossip, especially if it may damage the reputation of the person being talked about. It doesn't matter whether it is truthful or not, the Qur'an contains a very clear warning against it:

  "Woe to every slanderer and backbiter!" (Surat Al-Hamuzah, 104:1)

• Last, but definitely not least, do not say anything that associates others with Allah or may be blasphemous - for example "That Michael Owen is a God!". This particular sin is known as shirk, and it is the worst sin a muslim can commit as it goes against the very essence of Islam.

Removal of Shoes

As I mentioned on another page, it is a requirement to remove your shoes whenever you enter a mosque. This also applies in some households. In my experience, Malaysians and Indonesians will always remove their shoes upon entering other peoples homes on the basis that the house is also used for prayer. People from other communities don't tend to be so strict. Of course, it is always good manners to offer to remove your shoes, especially if they're dirty.

Public Shows of Affection

For those of us who are married, showing your affection to your loved one in public can cause offence. Any kind of passionate contact, such as prolonged kissing or hugging, should definately be avoided. Milder forms of affection, such as holding hands or putting your arms around each other whilst walking, are makruh (disliked, but not forbidden). In other words, a lot of discretion needs to be taken, especially if you are in a area where other muslims are likely to be present (i.e. near a mosque).

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