Outrage erupted online after a Muslim student in New York declined to shake hands with male officials during her graduation ceremony, which was because of her religious beliefs.
The video of the student quickly went viral, amassing more than eight million views. In the clip, she walked across the stage to receive what appeared to be her graduation certificate. Several school staff members were on stage, and a female staff member handed her the certificate.
The girl shook hands with the two female staff members who were standing on stage. After them, two male staff members extended their hands to congratulate her. Instead of shaking their hands, she placed her right hand over her chest, a gesture commonly used by some Muslims as a respectful greeting when they do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex because of their religious beliefs.
The two men did not appear to react negatively to the gesture. The student then walked off the stage while a family member continued filming her as she celebrated her graduation. Her decision not to shake hands with the male staff members was consistent with her religious beliefs.
For many Muslims, refraining from shaking hands with members of the opposite sex who are not close family members is a religious practice rooted in beliefs about modesty. The practice is not observed by all Muslims, but those who do follow it often greet others in other respectful ways, such as placing a hand over the heart, nodding, smiling, or offering a verbal greeting instead of physical contact. The gesture is intended to express respect for the other person while remaining consistent with the individual’s religious beliefs, rather than to signal disrespect or unfriendliness.
Viewers Outraged After Muslim New York Girl Refuses Handshake
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers criticized the Muslim New York girl’s decision not to shake hands with the two male staff members. Some argued that they viewed the gesture as disrespectful despite it being based on her religious beliefs. “Not respectful at all… attention seeking and totally disrespectful… Hopefully employers will remember her face and know that she is not one to have on the team because she is too self centered. What a nasty individual… ungrateful nasty energy,” one person wrote.
More people criticized the student’s decision, with some arguing that they believed it was disrespectful to the school staff who had participated in the ceremony. “Completely rude to teachers that guided her and helped her. Ok she doesn’t want to touch them she didn’t even acknowledge them and say thank you or smile. The more I learn about Islam the more cultish and dark it becomes,” one person wrote. Others defended the student’s actions, pointing out that she had still acknowledged the staff respectfully. “She put her hand on her chest and kind of nodded her head. I see nothing rude or disrespectful about it. No one has to touch ANYONE they don’t want. What’s wrong with you? Weird,” another commenter replied.
The video sparked a conversation about how religious beliefs can influence everyday interactions, including greetings and physical contact. It also led to broader discussions about etiquette, respect, and how people with different cultural or religious practices can acknowledge one another politely even when they choose not to shake hands.
