 Asking only for water or salt when you are a guest.; accepting what is offered and not requesting additional items your host may not have available


 Sharing from your plate when eating in a group and quantities are limited


Nutrition practitioners need to build a bridge of trust with their Muslim patients. For this, they must respect the fasting practice and its spirituality. Understanding nondietary-related beliefs of Islam can go a long way in effectively counseling Muslim American clients (6). The following are some general recommendations:


 Gender relations: Gender relations in Islam are centered on mahram, which includes family relatives by blood or marriage. Although there are exceptions, most physical contact between non- mahram females and males is not permitted. Never initiate a handshake with a Muslim patient of the opposite gender unless he or she first extends a hand. This also applies to hugging, even without direct skin contact. Other acknowledgements such as nodding or waving are fine. During verbal consultations with Muslim clients of the opposite gender, it is best to leave the door slightly ajar for propriety while still maintaining patient privacy. Ideally, assessments involving physical contact should be performed in private by a practitioner of the same gender. Take your cues from the patient: shake hands if he or she offers, and step back if you sense you are standing too close.


 Same-gender preference: For the most part, men and women are segregated by gender in the Islamic culture, except in the most familiar of family settings. In a healthcare setting, it may be strongly preferred that treatment be provided by a healthcare professional of the same gender, especially among women. Islam does not ban treatment or testing by a doctor, nurse, or technician of the opposite sex if it cannot be avoided; however, if a male provider must examine a female patient, she may feel more comfortable in the presence of another female practitioner or a male family member.


 Male-female gender roles: In Islamic tradition, the male is head of household and the official decision-maker. He may accompany the woman during the appointments and even answer medical questions for her. It is possible that a woman may not answer directly, except when her husband or father is unavailable. Respecting this norm will help ensure that you are able to establish a good rapport with your client.


 Chaperone/companion: Children and women may feel more comfortable if they are accompanied by a chaperone at all times. For married women, this may be their husband or a female relative. For children, this might be the mother.


 Physical activity: When recommending physical activity, keep in mind that some Muslims may not be comfortable exercising in a coed fitness facility, so consider recommending activities that can be done at home, in private, or in public (if they do not require exposure of the body). You also may want to research and suggest some Muslim-friendly facilities with designated hours (including pool hours) for men or women. Women-only gyms or men-only gyms may also be appropriate for Muslims as long as windows are not transparent from the outside and members of the opposite gender (maintenance workers or mail delivery people, for instance) do not enter the workout space.


 Eye contact: Muslims, especially women, avoid direct eye contact during a conversation as a sign of respect for the speaker. Do not take offense or feel that they are not paying attention to you.


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