Muslims friends, I had read somewhere that the thumbs up gesture can be considered an insult? Is this true?

Question

I think I was reading about the troops overseas using this gesture in a positive light, but were told to stop due to cultural differences.

Answer 1

I don't believe it's a Muslim thing,it's an Arab thing.I've used the thumbs up to some Iraqis and to the Jundees(Iraqi soldiers) without thinking about it first because it's such habit,but I think they understand what I meant as they didn't seem offended.They actually said "salaam" and did it back while smiling.But then again it was inside the wire,so they may have been used to American gestures.But every culture guide I have says it's offense,so I try not to do it when I can help it.

Answer 2

I asked the same question a while back and got no answer. The second part is true.

Answer 3

it's not a Muslim thing, it has nothing to do with religion in any way, it's related to the country ur in and how the locals interpret it

Answer 4

not a muslim thing, its due to cultural differnces.