Here we are again to tell you more about our beloved friends, Sana and Yusuf. ;)
Shai, Afia, Sana and Yusuf ;)
Greeting Others
China is a well-known part of East Asia. Some East Asian cultures i.e. South Korea and Japan have a bowing (and sometimes, prostrating) culture when they meet people to signify respect. The lower the bow, the higher the respect for the other party.
So, do Chinese people bow? Not really. Instead, non-verbally, they shake hands and smile, compared to Malay Malaysians who tend to perform the shake-and-kiss-hand ritual 'bersalaman' with those of higher status and of the same gender. Therefore, it is safe to say, please do not bow when you meet Chinese people. Awkwardness may ensue.
Additionally, Yusuf and Sana (great representatives of Chinese Muslims from China) like to be the first ones to greet fellow Muslim brothers and sisters with 'Assalam Alaykum' (peace be upon you).
We realize that they, the Muslim minority in their country, appreciate this peace-spreading wish more than us. Therefore, let's not take it for granted, yeah? It's a special culture among Muslims globally, and should remain so.
Why? Sure, we can form solidarity for various reasons. Common interests, usually. Nonetheless, this one shared identity - being a Muslim, believing in the One True God that created everything, should be the most special one in our hearts, as it highly entangles with our purpose of life. Isn't constantly reminding each other towards the lighted path rewarding? :')
Alternatively, the phrase 'Lei ho a!' (loosely translated as a friendly hi) in the Guangzhou community is bursting with cheerful and welcoming feelings! To Afia, its intonation reminds her of "Yo, duuuude!"
China is a well-known part of East Asia. Some East Asian cultures i.e. South Korea and Japan have a bowing (and sometimes, prostrating) culture when they meet people to signify respect. The lower the bow, the higher the respect for the other party.
Really, really, really formal Korean bowing
Additionally, Yusuf and Sana (great representatives of Chinese Muslims from China) like to be the first ones to greet fellow Muslim brothers and sisters with 'Assalam Alaykum' (peace be upon you).
We realize that they, the Muslim minority in their country, appreciate this peace-spreading wish more than us. Therefore, let's not take it for granted, yeah? It's a special culture among Muslims globally, and should remain so.
Why? Sure, we can form solidarity for various reasons. Common interests, usually. Nonetheless, this one shared identity - being a Muslim, believing in the One True God that created everything, should be the most special one in our hearts, as it highly entangles with our purpose of life. Isn't constantly reminding each other towards the lighted path rewarding? :')
Alternatively, the phrase 'Lei ho a!' (loosely translated as a friendly hi) in the Guangzhou community is bursting with cheerful and welcoming feelings! To Afia, its intonation reminds her of "Yo, duuuude!"
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