Men greeting Men –Men will usually shake hands with the right hand when greeting and departing. This is usually accompanied with the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum" which means "God grant you peace". In some regions the teenagers/young adult men shake hands and lean forward like they were going to embrace the other but actually just touch the side of their head to the side of the other man's head like a partial hug without other body parts involved. This is more of a greeting between good friends. Family members will often engage in full hugs. Women greeting Women- Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek. During initial meetings a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. Greetings between Men greeting Women- At a first meeting a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. It is best for women to initiate the greeting. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek. Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.
Women greeting Women- Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek. During initial meetings a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. Greetings between Men greeting Women- At a first meeting a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. It is best for women to initiate the greeting. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek. Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.
