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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Muslim"

To sign 'Muslim,' bring your hands in front of your body with both palms facing upward and the pinky sides of your hands touching. The hands should be slightly cupped, resembling the traditional posture of Islamic prayer (making Dua) or holding an open book. You can start by bringing your dominant hand down from your chest or face area to meet your non-dominant hand in this resting, open position.

Examples Using "Muslim" in a Sentence

1

Are you Muslim?

Point to the person to sign 'you,' then sign 'Muslim' by bringing your cupped hands together palms-up. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is the ASL grammar rule for asking a yes/no question.

2

My friend is Muslim.

Sign 'my' by placing your flat hand on your chest, then sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice. Finish by signing 'Muslim' with your palms facing up together.

3

I am learning about Muslim culture.

Point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'learn' by pulling knowledge from your palm to your forehead, sign 'Muslim,' and then sign 'culture' using a 'C' handshape circling your index finger.

How to Sign "Muslim"
To sign 'Muslim,' bring your hands in front of your body with both palms facing upward and the pinky sides of your hands touching. The hands should be slightly cupped, resembling the traditional posture of Islamic prayer (making Dua) or holding an open book. You can start by bringing your dominant hand down from your chest or face area to meet your non-dominant hand in this resting, open position.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and draws directly from Islamic practices. It visually represents the act of making 'Dua' (supplication or prayer), where worshippers hold their hands open with palms facing the sky to ask for blessings. It also evokes the imagery of holding open a sacred text, like the Quran.
Signing Tips
When signing 'Muslim,' focus on keeping your hands relaxed rather than stiff. Your palms should be facing the ceiling and slightly cupped, as if you are gently holding a small pool of water or an open book. The movement of bringing the hands together should be smooth and respectful.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes make their hands too flat and rigid, or they face their palms toward each other instead of upward. Ensure your palms are clearly facing up and your hands have a natural, relaxed curve to accurately reflect the gesture of supplication.
Regional Variations
While the open-palms-up sign is widely accepted and respectful, you may occasionally see older or regional variations. Some signers might use an 'M' handshape near the forehead, or a sign that mimics the physical act of bowing in prayer. However, the supplication sign is generally preferred today.
Examples Using "Muslim" in a Sentence
1

Are you Muslim?

Point to the person to sign 'you,' then sign 'Muslim' by bringing your cupped hands together palms-up. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is the ASL grammar rule for asking a yes/no question.

2

My friend is Muslim.

Sign 'my' by placing your flat hand on your chest, then sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice. Finish by signing 'Muslim' with your palms facing up together.

3

I am learning about Muslim culture.

Point to yourself for 'I,' sign 'learn' by pulling knowledge from your palm to your forehead, sign 'Muslim,' and then sign 'culture' using a 'C' handshape circling your index finger.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for the word 'Islam' as well?

Yes, this sign is very versatile. In ASL, it is commonly used to represent both a person who follows the faith ('Muslim') and the religion itself ('Islam'). The context of your sentence will make the exact meaning clear.

Do my hands need to touch completely?

The pinky sides of your hands should touch or be very close to touching. Think of how you would hold a book open in front of you—your hands naturally come together at the center.

Which hand should move into position?

Typically, your non-dominant hand stays relatively stationary in front of you as a base, while your dominant hand moves down from your upper chest or face area to meet it. Bringing both hands up together at the same time is also perfectly fine.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!