11 Things to Know Before You Enter the Home of a Muslim

1. Take things slow: While visiting with Muslim friends, take time to slow down and fully embrace the slower pace. You may be surprised by how nice it is to take things slow!

   
   

2. Get ready to meet the family: Large family gatherings are common amongst Muslim families and communities. This means you may be joining aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, family friends, and more for an evening meal. Welcome to the family!

   
   

3. Leave those shoes at the door: It is important to ensure that you always take off your shoes as you enter a Muslims house. Be sure you have clean socks with no holes. Women, be sure your socks cover your ankles as well!

   
   

4. It’s time to get cooking: Women do a lot of work to prepare for the evening meal, even after fasting all day. You can imagine how tired they are! Be understanding of how hard they are working. And young women, you might be invited to help. Get ready to start cooking!

   
   

5. Press pause on the fasting questions: If you are visiting with Muslim friends during Ramadan, we know you may be curious, but try to avoid questions like: Did you really fast? Did you really not drink anything? Focus on questions about their experience or the spiritual impact of Ramadan like: What is your favorite part of Ramadan? How has Ramadan impacted you?

6. Avoid praising young children: In Muslim culture, it is taboo to praise young children. Avoid pointing out their good deeds or manners, even if they are little angels!

   
   

7. Eat with your right hand: In Islam, the right hand is used for eating. Show your respect and use that right hand!

   
   

8. Embrace the confusion: During the meal, there may be other activities like prayer or reading the Qur’an. You may not always know what is going on, and that’s okay!

   
   

9. Don’t ask for food to be passed: Eat what is in front of you, and avoid asking for dishes out of reach. There will be plenty of food to go around! Throughout the meal, more dishes will be served. Trust us, you will not go hungry!

   
   

10. Tips for babies: Babies are welcome to join the evening feast, but be sure to not change any dirty diapers in the gathering space. If you see your baby making their “poop” face, excuse yourself and the baby. We know you can’t always anticipate when your baby will have a dirty diaper, but try your best!

    
    

11. Leave the pets at home: We know you love your new puppy, but they aren’t the ideal feast guest. Give them an extra treat and leave them at home!