Customs & Etiquette
» Right Hand, Left Hand » What To Say » What Not To Say » Removal of Shoes » Public Shows of Affection
Right Hand, Left Hand
As with many local customs around the world, Islam distinguishes the use of the right and left hands for a number of applications.
The dwellers of Paradise are often referred to in the Qur'an as 'companions of the right hand', and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would always begin tasks such as brushing hair or taking wudu on the right hand side. On the other hand (no pun intended), the dwellers of Hell are referred to as 'companions of the left hand'.
As far as practical uses for everyday life is concerned...:
- The left hand is primarily used for cleaning yourself, especially for cleaning the private parts after using the toilet. "What's that? Cleaning the private parts using your hand? That sounds horrible, what's wrong with toilet paper?" people may ask. If that sounds like you, just answer this - if you get dirty, what's the most hygienic way of cleaning the affected area? Wash it thoroughly with soap and water, or smear the dirt around with a piece of tissue in a vain attempt at picking it all up?
- The right hand is used for just about everything else - shaking hands, eating and picking up the Qur'an should only be done with the right hand - be sure to remember this!
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. NOTE: Only offer to shake hand with someone of the same gender as you.
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 to say 'please' and 'thank you'. 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 "Jesus Christ is 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. This is explained in the page titled Tawhid & Shirk.
Removal of Shoes
As I mentioned on another page, it is a common practice 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 definitely 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).
Return to Top - © Amir Brooks - 2006 / 1427
- Right hand: The Holy Qur'an, 90:17 to 18 - Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. (return to 'right hand' reference)
- Wudu: The ritual washing with water which must be performed before prayer. (return to 'wudu' reference)
- Left hand: The Holy Qur'an, 90:19 to 20 - But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). (return to 'left hand' reference)
