The constant need for cultural awareness was highlighted by the Princess of Wales on a recent visit to the Hayes Muslim Centre in West London, where she was refused a handshake by one of the Islamic community leaders.
While this action might sound like a rebuff (to which some might take offence), it was not intended as such, and nor did Kate Middleton appear to be offended.
According to an online article by Cornwall Live, the Princess of Wales was “awkwardly refused a handshake during a royal engagement”, and without understanding the cultural reasons behind the rejection, it may indeed appear to be a rebuff.
However, the refusal by the community leader to shake the hand of the Princess comes from Islamic tradition and is intended as a sign of respect and religious adherence.
In situations such as this it is essential to understand the cultural importance and meaning behind the actions of others in order to avoid taking or causing offence.
Let’s take a look in more detail at few key points of greetings between those of the Islamic faith and those who aren’t…
To Shake or not to Shake? – that is the Question
When the Prince of Wales offered his hand to Iman Sufyan Iqbal, one of the community leaders, it was readily returned, yet when the Princess of Wales offered hers, the Muslim leader instead placed his right hand over his heart and bowed his head.
This is because in many Islamic cultures, men consider it rude to shake hands with a woman, they prefer instead to greet women with their hand over heart gesture and a bow.
In some instances, Muslim men, and women, may decline to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex.
This is not intended to cause offence but is purely a religious observance.
As a general rule, if a handshake is refused, the alternative greeting of right hand on the heart accompanied by a bow of the head and a smile, is best.
Hugs, Kisses…and Noses!
While some Muslims prefer not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex, or with people with whom they are unfamiliar, they are much more ‘hands on’ when they greet friends or relatives.
In this instance, it is common to see Muslims hug or rub noses – you might even see two close male friends holding hands or linking arms.
However, this is only with members of the same sex and rarely in public.
Men and women should not show public displays of affection in Muslim countries, it is frowned upon and can even lead to being arrested.
It is worth noting here that there are exceptions to these rules; when meeting Muslims who live or work in the West, or when visiting Islamic countries which have a higher tolerance of Western behaviours, there is a tendency to be more relaxed about greetings involving members of the opposite sex, but this is the exception as opposed to the norm.
If you are in doubt about how to act when greeting people who follow the Islamic faith, take your cue from their behaviour and mirror their actions.
Look into my Eyes – but not for too long!
Another factor to consider when first meeting followers of the Islamic faith is that it is considered rude for men to stare at women or hold eye contact for a prolonged period of time.
With members of the same sex, lengthy eye contact is normal if you are engaging in conversation.
It should also be noted that commenting on how a woman is dressed (even if it is intended as a compliment) should be avoided.
More information about cultural awareness can be found here.
Alternatively, you might find our blogs useful, especially those about doing business in the Middle East.
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