Crossing Cultural boundaries

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Hi,

I have a fascination with Islam and the Muslim religion. Whenever I see a Muslim I always greet them with the Muslim greeting "Assalam Alaikum". Once when I was at the mall I greeted a Muslim woman and wished her a good Ramadan. She smiled and said "Thank you" but her children gave me a very odd look.

My Mom always tells me that I should avoid doing that because I might say it to the wrong person. I'm Caucasian Canadian, and most of the Muslim's in my community are from Pakistan or Somalia. I know that the Islamic community tends to be very closed off, but I have such a deep respect for them.

ANy advice?

I can understand why you'd want to, but it always seems unusual when a stranger talks to you in public. At work or school it would be less unusual, seeing as you're around them regularly and it's a more welcome gesture that you're trying to get on with them.
There's also a number of variations on the greeting, whether you're talking to an individual or a group and their respective genders. I don't think it would come across as disrespectful if you use the wrong one, but I can't say for certain as I don't know many Muslims myself.

do you consider yourself a Xenocentric?

That's going to backfire when you come across someone whom you mistake for a Muslim.

I'm assuming the Ara

I'm guessing the kids weren't familiar with a white person knowing something about them in that kind of way. They probably just thought it was a bit odd, but I wouldn't focus too much on that. You could always learn some Somali, as most Somalis probably don't know much Arabic beyond the basics, unless they come from an educated background (Nabid=hi, wa fiyantahi=how are you?). Volunteer at a refugee camp, or something similar. I think you would find it very rewarding to partake in another group's culture (you seem to have the curiosity for it), and it's always flattering when someone takes the time, effort, and interest in another culture.

At the end of the day, people are just people. As long as you proceed respectfully (which it seems that you have) and with curiosity, you really can't go wrong. I would caution with speaking too openly with women (generic greetings are fine, but engaging in full conversations before having a working knowledge of gender roles/proper etiquette may make some people feel uncomfortable). Sporting events are always great ways to socialize.

Good luck!