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Is it okay to say 'bless you' when a Muslim person sneezes?
I just started working at an elementary school which has a large population of Somali immigrants, who are mainly Muslim. The kids I work with are kindergarteners, so not theologically sophisticated, and they also have a lot of colds in the classroom. When one of them sneezes my automatic response is to say 'Bless you' or 'Gesundheit,' but is this culturally insensitive? What would I say? It feels wrong not to say something....
Yeah, it's America, but still, I want to respect the religion of these children. That's actually what America is about, imo.
5 Answers
- Anonymous9 years agoFavorite Answer
Coming from experience with muslim children displaced in madagascar, they commonly said "Alhamdulillah"( “al-hamdu Lillaah”). They respond by ‘Yarhamuk Allaah.’ If they dont according to the quran youre supposed to laugh at them so they feel ashamed, culture is funny isnt it?
- Anonymous9 years ago
Gesundheit might be better if it really bothers you, but I'm of a certain faith and while I don't broadcast my beliefs I get annoyed with certain religious things, and bless you isn't one of them. The term originally was of Christian origin, back when they believed that sneezing had something to do with the devil being inside of you (then again, they thought that happened with menstruation, and it'd actually be nice if cashiers said bless you when they sold you a box of tampons). I simply think of it as a way of saying you hope someone is blessed with good health, for you wouldn't their condition getting worse.
- wyomugsLv 79 years ago
It is ALWAYS appropriate to say "Bless you" to ANYONE who sneezes, regardless of their religion, sex, race, or orientation! Quit being so concerned over being "culturally insensitive." Rather, concern yourself with being NICE to the other person, PERIOD!
Have a polite day.
Etiquette takes over where laws end.
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