Muslim schoolboys ‘EXCUSED from shaking hands with women’
A PUBLIC school has allowed Muslim schoolboys to refuse to shake hands with women, according to reports.
The controversial measures were introduced at a Sydney school
Students at the Hurstville Boys Campus of Georges River College shunned the handshakes of female presenters at a recent awards ceremony, instead opting to place a hand across their chest.
The practice reportedly comes from the Islamic hadith teaching, which states: “It is better to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle than to touch the hand of a woman who is not permissible to you.”
The New South Wales Department of Education appeared to support the measures, claiming this was an “agreed protocol” following considerable consultation with staff, parents and students.
A spokesman for the department said: “At the school’s 2016 presentation day, the principal explained to invited guests making awards that some Muslim students may place their hand across their chest instead of shaking hands.
“The Department of Education requires its schools to recognise and respect the cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds of all students, with the intent to promote an open and tolerant attitude towards a diverse Australian community.
The Hurstville Boys Campus of Georges River College in Sydney
Keysar Trad, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said he used to follow the teaching until he realised the country’s Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohammed was willing to shake women’s hands.
He told news.com.au: “The Islamic teachings offer great respect and protection for women.
The boys were allowed to put their hand across their chest rather than shake hands
“There are differences in interpretation.
“I used to apologise profusely and pray they were not offended, I used to feel so guilty.
“I did some research and they explained the whole idea is to protect women from unwelcome touching, if it’s an innocent handshake, it’s OK. It’s better not to offend a woman. I changed my approach.”