Norwegian Teacher’s Tightened Grip: Imposing ‘Obligatory’ Opposite-Gender Handshakes on Muslims 

• A video of a Norwegian Female Teacher enforcing a handshake with a student went viral last week

• We have, however, seen this before in Europe. A reflection of Me Too Movement’s proposition is now crucial 

The Norwegian case

Last week, a Norwegian school teacher forced a male Muslim student to shake her hand. He refused to do so. In response, she proceeded to deliver a lecture to the student and her audience about the cultural norms of hand-shaking in Norway. The teacher paradoxically warned the student that his refusal to shake hands with future employers would result in him not succeeding in life.

This is somewhat startling as it’s universally acknowledged that part of a teacher’s job is to motivate students by showing care, commitment, and concern for their well-being. All whilst promoting inclusion, equality and diversity and understanding the individual needs of the young person.

Following the incident, a letter published in Aftenposten, a Norwegian broadsheet was signed by several Muslims. It read: 

“What should have been a joyous graduation ceremony at a school in Oslo last week, was turned into a humiliating affair when the audience was subjected to an aggressive demonstration of power from the school leadership.”

Professor of Philosophy Lars Gule of Oslo Metropolitan University said the following on the matter:

In the wake of the video going viral, there has been a surge of Islamophobic comments and a disturbing display of hostility towards the student who was peacefully exercising his religious beliefs:

In Hyde Park’s Speakers Corner, Youtuber/Da’ee Mohammed Hijab also faced a similar incident when his interlocutor refused to continue conversing with him once her hand was denied. This was despite Brother Hijab’s explanation that it was for “religious reasons.” Such treatment of a man practising his religion illustrates an egregious intolerance of alternative ways of life.

The Swiss Case

In 2016, two Syrian brothers (aged 14 and 15) refused to shake their female teachers hands; again, religious reasons were cited. https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/switzerland-ruling-overturns-muslim-pupils-handshake-exemption-religio. The school initially allowed the two young men to practise their religious beliefs and be exempt from handshakes with the opposite gender. This in turn caused much outrage in the local community, and several complaints were made. The following ruling was later decided:

“Parents of pupils who refuse to shake a teacher’s hand at schools in the northern canton of Basel-Country would face fines of up to 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,400).” 

This outcome starkly exemplifies the mistreatment of Swiss Muslims.

Me Too Movement 

Following the Me Too Movement, there was much talk about how “handshakes at work were a grey area” and could be banned to avoid sexual harassment. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/handshakes-could-banned-work-avoid-14580328.amp

However, Islam is always ahead of the curve. The mantra ‘Prevention is better than cure’ aligns with the teachings of Islam, hence the reason the laws stipulated by Allah safeguard individuals from immorality right from the beginning.

It is, however, rather telling that handshakes become incredibly important when certain people of a certain demographic are involved.

Liberalism in Norway

Since Norway prides itself on being a liberal society. Lets take a closer look at what the father of Liberalism John Locke, wrote in “A Letter Concerning Toleration”:

“No one should be punished or called to account for his religious worship, as long as he does not disturb the peace of the community.”

This emphasises Locke’s belief that individuals should be free to practice their religion without facing punishment or interference, as long as their actions do not disrupt the peace and well-being of society as a whole. Locke’s argument centres on the idea that religious freedom should be protected unless it poses a threat to social order.

Consequently, the query that emerges from these cases is: ‘Why is Liberalism masquerading as the prevailing ideology in the West when its principles lost their sway in these nations a considerable time ago? Freedom of religion and equality of rights are now evidently being impacted in these nations. Hypocrisy and a misguided conviction of moral superiority from those who adopt such values can be witnessed, leading to a false sense of righteousness.