ئەر قوشۇقلۇق خىزمەتچى بىلەن قول ئېلىشمىغانلىقى ئۈچۈن ئىش تەكلىپى ئەمەلدىن قالدۇرۇلدى (ئەنگلىيە – لوندون)، نەسىھەت ياكى ئوخشاش كەچۈرمىشلەر بارمۇ؟

Assalamu alaikum dear brothers and sisters. I’m reaching out for some advice, particularly from those in the UK who might have faced something similar. As a practising Muslim, I avoid shaking hands or physical contact with non-mahram women-it’s part of my faith and something I’ve done for years at different workplaces. Honestly, I’ve never had any trouble before; when I’ve explained politely, women have always been understanding, even if they didn’t see it the same way. Recently, I got a job with a luxury retail company in London. I’d done two days of induction with about 25 other new starters and things were going great. The hiring manager kept messaging me saying he was excited for me to start, and I was meant to begin this week. A few days before my start, I went in on my day off for a uniform fitting-the manager asked, and I wanted to show I was keen, so I agreed. The first female manager introduced herself and offered her hand. I put my hand on my heart, smiled, and said “Nice to meet you.” She paused, sort of waiting for more, so I said sorry if it seemed odd and explained that out of respect for my religious beliefs, I don’t shake hands with women. She seemed quite upset-her manner changed toward me after that. She stayed professional helping with the uniform, but I got the feeling my explanation didn’t sit well. Soon after, another female colleague came up and also put out her hand. Again, I politely did the same-hand on heart, smile, and explained it’s because of my religious beliefs. She asked what religion, and I said I’m Muslim. She said her Muslim clients shake her hand and asked why I wouldn’t. She made a comment like “We’re all one here,” and that not shaking hands made it feel like we weren’t “one.” I stayed calm and explained that Muslims practice differently, and this is my way. I made clear I wasn’t trying to offend, it wasn’t personal, just my faith. I never raised my voice, got argumentative, or said I wouldn’t work with anyone-I was polite the whole time because I really wanted the job and to make a good start. A few days later, the company pulled the job offer. They said I’d been “dismissive,” “rude,” and “aggressive” toward staff. I completely deny that-I’m sure I was respectful throughout. They also wrote that they weren’t obliged to give notice pay but offered one week’s salary as a goodwill gesture. I don’t know if that’s standard or means something, so I’d appreciate any insight. Now I’m thinking about my next steps-maybe contact ACAS or get legal advice-but first wanted to ask the Muslim community: - Has anyone else lost a job because you don’t shake hands with the opposite gender? - How did your employer or coworkers handle it? - Has anyone made a religious discrimination claim or gone through ACAS? - Is this worth pursuing, or should I just move on? - Is a one-week goodwill payment common, or does it have any weight? I’m not posting to attack the company or stir things up. I just want to understand what I can do and learn from others who’ve been in this spot. BarakAllahu feekum all, may Allah azzawajal keep us guided and grant us understanding.