If you want to know about islam, read the Quran or buy one, it is the best book you can get on islam and you will understand how muslims think, eat, walk and even do business, everything!!. It will have the answers to what the purpose of creation is, what will happen after death, in heaven, hell, the many stories of the prophets mentioned in the bible too, incl Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Jesus etc.

To be honest you will not have read a book like it - ive read the bible - KJV twice, torah, guru granth sahib, vidas you name it and ive read it but the Quran is in a league of its own!. Infact i coould just about guarantee your life will never be the same.

Happy reading :).

wa alaykum asalaam. I am no expert on the Arabic language but to my knowledge, adaab is merely referring to manners it is not ordinarily used as a greeting.

Yes, knowing the merchants I deal with are Muslim, I prefer to give them the respect they deserve and greet them from the heart the way I would anyone else. I am fluent in French and Italian also, and I know greetings in multiple languages. I think it is polite and shows respect to greet someone in their native tongue; they appreciate the gesture. I do not know Thai, but I greet my husbands family with a bow and sawatdee ka, which is respectful. If more people were respectful of others and their cultures, the world would be a better place.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

salam alaykum Jennifer. Yes! Say Salam Alaykum! Very Good, if it is coming to your heart to say… say. If you are confused about it, leave it for now. Thank you for commenting, please come again, your comments are welcome.

-Saifuddin

Saifuddin could give a better social perspective.

I am a Christian European/Canadian and my husband is Buddhist Thai/American. I would like to know when we enter a business or establishment and know the merchants are Muslim, is it proper to greet them with as-salaamu ‘alaikum? We believe in the respect of all men and women and cultures equally, and are always willing and open to learn about other cultures.

Also, what book (s) would be the easiet to read to learn about the Muslim culture and religion. I have many Muslim friends back home in Canada, but we don’t really discuss religion. Could someone please point me in the right direction.

I hope these are not ignorant questions, and that I have no offended anybody. If I have, I do apologize.

Thank you, and have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Jennifer

In America, the old concept of greetings and hospitality of all but vanished. Few understand the import of the phrase “breaking bread with someone” or the import originally placed on a greeting and blessing.

as-salaamu ‘alaikum Mohurtshe Moile! It is good to here that you are thinking of Islam. The pork and woman issue is not as important as taking the first step and finding safety from harm. My suggestion is to make a sincere intention to make the shahadat, taking the first step is the most important part. Worry about the second and third, etc. after you’ve made the first.

My suggestion is to follow someone, someone who is walking in the way of the Holy Prophet (may Peace and Blessings be upon him), his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), the Successors and the Saints (may Allah keep their secrets).

I can certainly help you to find support in this venture, email me privately and we can discuss things further (saifuddin at gmail dotcom). You may also want to join the Osmanli Naksibendi Yahoo Group, it is a group of Muslims that you will be able to ask a number of questions and find support.

-Saifuddin