Did I offend a Muslim? ?

Question

Today at work a man was talking about the birth of his new son. He was asked what he named him and the man said that he wouldn't name him for 5 more days until the ceremony. Everyone looked puzzled that he would wait to name his son and without really considering my words I mentioned that it's in the Bible, the Old Testament. I probably should have said something more like it's a religious covenant. The man is Muslim. He didn't look offended, maybe more surprised at my answer, I couldn't tell really. Should I elaborate and apologize on my haste in answering, or should I let it lie? I don't want to offend anyone.

Answer 1

muslims do beleive in the bible ....right ? just that there is more than the old and new testament ?don't apologise  you weren't being mean or hurtful on purpose .

Answer 2

if you know him well enough then ask if you offended and if he says yes then politely apologize then act like nothing ever happend, if he says no just say u wanted to make sure,  appreciate courtesy any way. and if you don't know him all that well then just let it go.

Answer 3

I don't think you offended him, I think you surprised him. There are some points in which both religions are similar and the waiting so many days is similar between Muslims and Jews. I  have found that most of the muslims I have met or listened to are of the opinion that christians don't really read the bible much. I'd just leave it. You would have known if he was offended.

Answer 4

well, best to be safe and apologize.  

Answer 5

Everybody is afraid of offending people nowadays. Are you offended if he mentions the Koran. I hope not. Seriously. If he didnt look offended he probably wasnt. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if hes forgotten about the whole thing already. d**n politcal correctness.  

Answer 6

The Bible's Old Testament has a lot of the same rules about things like that as the ones that are in The Quran so he most likely wasn't offended. He is probably aware of the similarities.  

Answer 7

dont worry.. we muslims beleive in the Bible too :)

Answer 8

If he didn't sound offended, I wouldn't worry about it. His reaction seems reasonable. Your own behavior is rather absurd, quoting biblical precedent to someone you know is muslim.

Answer 9

He probably picked up that you weren't trying to be offensive, but yes you could apologize to comfirm that there's no harm done.

Answer 10

He was probably not offended.

You just confirmed the Christians, Jews, and Muslims have a lot in common -- and by accident.  What a good way for it to have happened.

In five days, ask this gentleman what he named is new son.  Thay would be a good way to start a conversation with him.  He will remember the earlier statement and be happy.

Answer 11

its a simple mistake. im sure your fine. ppl have to understand that ppl make mistakes when they talk.

Answer 12

I doubt you offended him.

You can always ask him.

People don't communicate enough.  Instead of asking us, ask him.

Answer 13

I don't think you should obsess over it.

I doubt he'd put a Fatwa on you.

Let it lie. You can only make it worse if it did offend him, which I doubt.

Answer 14

If you were going to apologize you should of done it on the spot, but it sounds like he didn't take any offense I would just let it lie unless he brings it back up. : )  

Answer 15

Use a good occasion to make the apology in a funny manner. You may try "I didn't know you were from Iraq" or sth like that.  

Answer 16

yes u did now go apologize

jking stop thinking about it people dont get offended that easily

Answer 17

As a Christian with several Muslim friends, I honestly don't think that you offended him. But I would ask him anyway just to make sure that he didn't take any offense to it. Honestly, I think the naming ceremony is actually an Indian/Pakistani thing. ( I briefly dated a man who was an Indian Hindu and I know that they have this ceremony too.) So anyway, I think that the ceremony is more of a cultural thing more than anything.I think it would be a good idea just to let him know that you have respect for his culture/beliefs and leave it at that.

Your heart is in the right place, so I doubt he would be mad at you.  

Answer 18

just apoligize in case cuz i dont think u want anybody o think ur rude

Answer 19

you should definitely tell him no matter how much later you wait.  It will definitely be less awkward than to not apologize.  I think you should be clear of your intentions and that you only said it in haste because you're just used to your own religion.  I actually find it easier to apologize later on rather than right then and there when I talk to people.

Answer 20

we muslims believe in bible too....we dont believe in the present day bible but we believe in the original bible that God sent to prophet Jesus pbuh.

Answer 21

psh.... no u didnt

Answer 22

That seems like a tough answer. Maybe just talk to him to make sure it is ok.

Answer 23

Don't apologies.  Its our country and we can say anything we like about our religion.  The muslims do it.  Don't apologies.  

Answer 24

well you should just apologize just in case,

if he got offended.