Muslim greet each other with the salam (an Islamic form of greeting) which consists of the words Assalamu'alaikum (Peace be upon you). A Muslim acknowledges the greeting with Wa'alaikumsalam (Upon you be peace too). When the Malays offer the salam, they will touch each other's right hand. The touch is a light clasp not amounting to a handshake. This is immediately followed by the movement of the hand towards the heart to signify the greeting is heartfelt. However, opposite sex of Muslim cannot shake hand with each other. A non-Muslim should not greet a Malay this way. They can just greet their Muslim friend Selamat pagi (Good morning), Selamat gengahari (Good afternoon) and Selamat malam (Good night) etc.
All animals must be slaughtered by a Muslim according to the Islamic rites, called Halal. Pork in any form is not allowed. Amphibious animals such as snakes, frogs, crocodiles and birds of prey are also prohibited food.
Intoxicating drinks are not allowed.
Festivals: Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated among Muslims after the end of the fasting month whereas Hari Raya Haji is observed in relation to the performance of the pilgrimage in Mecca. Hari Raya Puasa falls on the first day of the month of Syawal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). There are two methods to determine the fall of Hari Raya Puasa: following the sign of the new moon (Rukyah) or based on the astronomical calculation. (Falak). In Singapore, Muslims adopted the second method. Hari Raya Haji falls on the tenth day of the month Zulhijjah (the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar). Muslims celebrate the Hari Raya Puasa with prayers and thanksgivings to God for giving them energy and the endurance to fast for 30 days. The Hari Raya Haji celebrates the day when Muslim pilgrims assemble at Arafah, an open field outside Mecca as part of their pilgrimage rites.
A Muslim always uses his right hand when handling food or drinking. Food should preferably be taken sitting on the floor as this is a sign of humility. Using silver or gold tableware for eating or drinking is also forbidden as this will show signs of arrogance. It is rude for a Muslim to pick and choose from a dish; it is even ruder to choose the best portion or piece for one's self. He should simply take what is nearest to him. When helping one's self to food, do so from the side of the dish, and not from the middle.