Non-muslim publishers, and distributors we welcome you!

To help things run smoothly and to answer any questions you may have about the Muslim "culture," We've prepared a handy guide. We hope this helps.

We understand that attending and working in a religious community that you are not familiar with can be a little uncomfortable. We want everyone to enjoy the picnic and we are sure the contacts you make will be invaluable in the future.

Here are a few differences in doing business with Muslims. Observance of them can keep awkward moments to a minimum.

It is a "reflex" in America to shake hands with everyone you meet and do business with. Muslims do their best to avoid physical contact with a member of the opposite gender they are not related to. Offering your hand to the opposite gender may and can cause an awkward moments.

If you are a man, a Muslim woman will not be insulted if you do not offer your hand in a hand shake. Likewise, a Muslim man will not be insulted if you do not offer your hand if you are a woman.

Money is often put on the counter or table when being exchanged between members of opposite gender. It is not an insult if you put change on the table for a purchaser to pick up. Likewise if they purchase something and put the money on the table it is not an insult, but a sign of respect.

You may encounter Muslim women wearing either nikab (a veil that covers their mouth) or burkah (a veil that covers the entire face). It may be hard to know where to look.

If the woman is wearing a nikab, look her in the eyes when you speak. If she is wearing a burkah, look over her right shoulder.

If you are hard of hearing and use lip reading to help in business transactions, please explain your situation. The Muslim woman wearing the nikab or burkah will usually get a friend to help or use a paper and pencil to help communicate.

If you are a woman, you may be wondering what to wear. Well, you needn't cover your head (though you may want to get a wide brim hat to ward off the sun). We do not require that you adopt our style of clothing for this event. But you may be more comfortable (and show sensitivity to your perspective buyers) by wearing a short sleeve blouse, that is not low cut and covers the midriff, and a skirt that comes to the knee. Pants are okay, in fact you may see several Muslim women in pants, or a "pant suit" called a Shelwar Kameez.

Prayer is a big part of the Muslim day. There will be one prayer during the picnic. You are welcome to watch. Please only view the men's section in prayer. Do not pass in front a person praying but walk behind. Stay in the back or off to the side when a group is praying together. Also please be as quiet as possible a Muslim making the formal prayer (salah) is concentrating on his prayer and should not be distracted.

If you have any other questions, ask! We will be happy to answer them.