Guidelines on Shaking Hands With Non-Mahram

Shaking hands when meeting and giving ‘Taslim’ (As-Salam ‘Alaykum) is part of the etiquette of Islam and from good morals. It is an expression of love between the two who shake hands, as it dispels sins, hatred, rancor, and grudges among the Muslims.

In a tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “there are no two Muslims who meet and shake hands with one another but they will be forgiven before they depart.” (Abu Dawud)

Hence shaking hands during meetings Is an established tradition among the companions of the Holy Prophet. It is allowed for Muslims to shake hands with Muslims and non-Muslims of the same gender when greeting, however, prohibited with non-Mahram men and women.

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The evidence for this is the narration by Ma’gil Ibn Yassar, who reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) to have said: “for one of you to be stabbed in the head with iron needle is better for him than he should touch a woman who is not permissible for him.  (Narrated by At-Tabaraani in Al-Kabeer grade as saheeh by Albani).

It was narrated that Ummaya the daughter of Raqeeqah said:  the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “I do not shake hands with women.”  (An-nasaa’I and Ibn Majah).

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) took a pledge of allegiance, which was originally given by hand, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not shake women’s hands.

It was narrated from Urwah that Aisha (RA) told him about women’s oath of allegiance. The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never touched any woman with his hand. He would explain to the women what the oath of allegiance implies and when she accepted, he would say: “go, for you have given your oath of allegiance”. (Muslim)

So the prevalent practice of shaking hands with non Mahrams should be avoided by Muslims. It is so painful to see Muslims ignore this ruling and do what they wish. We find Muslims using phrases like “faith (Iman) is in the heart”. It is of great sadness as the Prophet (peace be upon him) never practiced such and has warned the Ummah of its dire consequences.