Question from a non-Muslim apprentice optician seeking guidance
As-salamu alaykum - I hope you're all well. I'm an apprentice optician in America and would like some guidance on how to treat my Muslim clients with respect while doing frame fittings and adjustments. Sometimes I need to gently touch a person's head or ear to check the fit, and I always ask permission first for every patient regardless of faith. I'm not Muslim, but I want to be considerate and follow proper etiquette. A few specific questions: - For male patients (I'm a woman), is it acceptable for me to lightly touch their head or ear during an adjustment if I ask first? - For women who wear hijab, I've noticed their ears are often covered. Usually I ask them how the fit feels rather than asking them to move their scarf, especially because I work in a busy indoor mall where privacy is limited. That means I sometimes can't see if the temple arm is rubbing behind the ear. Is there an appropriate way to handle adjustments when I need to check behind the ear or move part of the covering? For example, should I offer a private room, suggest they adjust it themselves, or follow another approach? I really appreciate any practical advice on asking permission, offering alternatives, or any phrases that make people feel comfortable. Thank you so much for your help!