XXIX.—SALUTATIONS.
The usual Muhammadan salutation is "as salámu ʾalekam," i. e. "The peace of God be with you."
When a person makes a "salám," and any of the assembly rise and return it, it is considered sufficient for the whole company.
The lesser number should always be the first to salute the greater; he who rides should salute him who walks; he who walks, him who stands; the stander, the sitter, etc. A man should not salute a woman on the road; and it is considered very disrespectful to salute with the left hand, that hand being used for legal ablutions.
The ordinary salute is made by raising the right hand either to the breast or to the forehead.
In Central Asia the salutation is generally given without any motion of the hand or body.
Pupils salute their masters by kissing the hand or sleeve, which is the usual salutation made to men of eminent piety.
Homage is paid by kissing the feet of the ruler, or by kissing the ground or carpet.
In Afghanistan, conquered people pay homage by casting their turbans at the feet of the conqueror; and the heads of tribes often lessen the size of their turbans before appearing in the presence of their rulers.