Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No, but shake hands." That is, when meeting, a person should neither bow to his friend nor kiss him. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man asked: O Messenger of Allah! When a person meets his friend, should he bow to him? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No." He then asked: Should he embrace him and kiss him? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No." He asked a third time: Should he shake hands with him? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Yes, if he wishes." This wording of the hadith is narrated by Imam Ahmad. Imam Tirmidhi has also narrated a similar report, but in his narration, the words «إن شاء» "if he wishes" are not present.