If you are a female and would you like to greet a male Muslim avoid using the “As-Salaam-Alaikum”. Muslims use “As-Salaam-Alaikum” when men greet men, women greet woman, and a man greets his female family members. All the above groups can use the greeting of salaam, and the other has to return the greeting. However, there is a unique rule that refers to a man who greets a woman (non-family member) because of the possibility of “fitnah” (temptation) that in certain cases may result from it. You should not start the salaam greeting either because if you do, he will not greet you back because according to Islam, you do not deserve a response. If he returns the greeting to you, then this is makrooh (“detestable” or “reprehensible”). If there is a group of men, a woman can greet them as a group with salaam, as there is no fear of temptation.
Females should not shake hands with male Muslims and they should not reach for a male Muslim’s hand unless he starts the contact. Male Muslims avoid touching women outside their family (mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters), out of respect and modesty.
