Visiting Religious Homes

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Homes are also highly individualized, but there are still some general rules to follow and questions to ask.
If bringing a gift of food, ensure that it is not a food barred by your host’s religious tradition.
Ask permission before handling a sacred object or religious text.
Observe your hosts and any other guests to see how men and women interact with one another. Err on the side of modesty. If you’re concerned, ask in advance of your visit.
If possible, check with your hosts in advance to see whether there are any times that are inappropriate for visits and any dress guidelines for visitors.

Buddhism

Remove your shoes before entering the home.
Many Buddhist homes contain a room with a shrine for meditation. Do not enter this room or touch the shrine without permission from your hosts. Once in the room, do not turn your back to the shrine.
Buddhist books or images should not be placed on the floor, nor should other objects be placed on top of them.
Modest dress for both men and women—no shorts or tank tops— is appreciated.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a temple. Some will also apply to home visits.

Christianity

Head coverings are not usually required.
There may be objects in the home that are sacred and are used during prayer, such as Bibles, rosary beads, or crucifixes. Ask permission before handling these items.
Many Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) families observe a Family Home Evening one night a week, typically on Mondays. Visiting at this time may not be appropriate; check ahead.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a church. Some will also apply to home visits.

Hinduism

Remove your shoes before entering.
Avoid wearing leather or bringing gifts that involve leather or beef. This shows respect for the Hindu belief that the cow is sacred.
Worship in the home is an important part of Hindu rituals. Many Hindu homes contain a room with a shrine. Do not enter this room or touch the shrine without permission from your hosts. If you are still wearing shoes, remove them before entering the room. You may also offer to cover your head.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a temple. Some will also apply to home visits.

Islam

Offer to remove your shoes before entering the home. There may be a place set aside in an entryway for shoes.
Due to modesty dictates, a woman who is home alone may be unwilling to speak to male visitors or to allow them to enter the home.
Men and women may gather in different parts of the home.
When speaking to someone of the opposite sex, keep your tone formal and business-like.
Many Muslims bring a gift on their first visit to another’s home. If bringing food, note that observant Muslims keep halal, avoiding pork and alcohol.
Some Muslims see dogs as unclean. If you have a service dog, inquire with your hosts beforehand.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a Mosque. Some will also apply to home visits.

Judaism

Ask your hosts whether they would prefer that you cover your head before entering the home.
Some observant Jews may not welcome visitors on the Sabbath (Friday sundown through Saturday sundown). If you’re planning a visit at that time, check ahead.
Some Jews keep kosher and may have separate kitchens, dishware, and flatware for foods containing dairy and those containing meat.
There may be objects in the home that are sacred, such as candlesticks, silver cups or texts. If you are unsure, ask before touching them.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a synagogue. Some will also apply to home visits.

Sikhism

Offer to remove your shoes and cover your head.
Prayer books should be treated respectfully. Never place one on the floor.
The family may keep a copy of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, in a special room in the house. Never enter this room without an invitation, and remove your shoes before entering.
Don’t forget to read through the guidelines for entering a Gurdwara. Some will also apply to home visits.