Often times fellow Muslims are stuck in tight corners thinking, "What should i do?! It's obviously wrong, but what will they think of me if i refuse.."
yeah, we have all been there, well unless your too carefree.
A classic example would be the 'handshake'. Muslims of different genders (unless permitted by: marriage or blood ties) are strictly forbidden to have physical contact. Being Malaysian doesn't make this much easier. Multicultural/religion country and all - which is great frankly speaking.
"It is better for one of you to be pricked in the head with an iron pick than to touch a woman whom it is unlawful to touch."
(Al Mondhari says, - It (this hadith) is reported by al-Tabarani and al-Bayhaqi, and al-Tabarani's transmitters are authentic and sound)
so the point is, yeah, when we're stuck in such situation, it is best that we try to find a solution which will not only make yourself look good, but your beliefs as well.
in the case of the handshake,
The What-you-can-do List
- well, refuse to shake, then offer you explanation so that you won't end up being misunderstood, or worse having your beliefs misunderstood. (and yeah, this could also be a wonderful opportunity for da'wah)
- This is my personal favourite, first, keep your hands to yourself (don't initiate the handshake gesture first) be polite, greet the person politely. If the fella offers his/her hand, simply put your palm over your heart and say "pleased to meet you" - or anything else along those lines.
seriously i think step 2 is very sweet, lol. You could pass as a flight attendant and the best of all, you could pass as righteous Muslim... Insyaallah.
Wallahualam...
ideas by:http://www.workingmuslim.com/articles-blog