Elsewhere on this site you will see mention of religion. It may seem a little odd, as this is not a religious site, but there is a simple fact that there are other religions in the world, and we have to coexist with them. It would not make any difference if not for the simple fact that religion is not simply a once a week tradition, but a cornerstone of many people’s lives that requires various rituals and rules be observed. For example, very orthodox Jewish men cannot be seated next to women, and Muslim women traditionally wear a hijab. The question of etiquette here is how to deal with that in a civilized manner.

          There are a few things to consider specifically, but the most important thing, as with all etiquette, is empathy. Taking others’ religion into consideration will make worlds of difference. If your religion requires that you proselytize, then that is perfectly fine, but I will remind you that there is a time and place for everything and take off your hijab is usually not the starting point of a conversion. If that answer is not good enough for you, then I wish you luck as I cannot help you.

          As mentioned the biggest thing is to take consideration. It is also important to note that while they deserve to have their religion considered, so do you. However, your faith does not need an ostentatious display and nor does your tolerance. If you invite someone to dinner and his faith does not allow him to sit next to a woman, put him next to men. If your religion does not allow you to sit next to women, then you are entitled to the same right (though you should give forewarning to your hosts so they do not make a fuss ). If there are dietary restrictions, then you should accommodate to the best of your ability. However, if they do not tell you about dietary restrictions before they show up, they have no right to expect consideration (this goes for any dietary restrictions, not just religious). This goes for most things, be considerate.

          The one thing that does confuse most people is prayer with others. No one is required to pray to a god in which he does not believe, and no one should be kept from praying to a god in which he does believe. If it is time for a Muslim’s prayer, excuse him to do so, but do not feel required to join him, or if you are a Muslim, feel free to excuse yourself to pray, but do not expect others to join you. If you are at dinner and people bow their heads for prayer to another god, do not feel the need to partake, but do sit quietly. One of few times I have wanted to actually slap people is when they were talking during a prayer. IT did not matter that they did not believe. It mattered that they did not keep quiet. On the other hand, if you pray before a meal or anything else, and you are in company that does not, feel free to bow your head for a moment and say something to your god. But remember as Jesus said:

when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6)

In short, don’t be showy. Make it brief.  The last note is the host should not be expected to lead in a prayer that is not of his own faith.

          In short the way to handle other religions is to be considerate. To remember that they should not keep you from practicing your faith and you should not keep them from practicing theirs. If you remember that and all work to be as accommodating as possible to others, then you will all be fine.