Is Embracing (Mu‘ānaqah) Permissible Outside of Travel? Islamic Guidance
Reference: Fatāwā Rashidiyyah, Page 517
❖ The Question
Is embracing (mu‘ānaqah, i.e., hugging) permissible only upon return from travel, or can it also be done on other occasions?
❖ The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
◈ Embracing is an expression of love that a Muslim shows towards his brother.
◈ It is a way of expressing joy at meeting.
◈ This practice is permissible, recommended, and rewarding, provided the intention is to honor and love one’s brother.
The Prophet ﷺ said to a man who mentioned his love for another:
((هل أخبرته بذالك’فإن لم تكن قدأخبرته به فاذهب وأخبره))
“Have you informed him of it? If not, then go and tell him.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ – Abū Dāwūd, al-Nasā’ī al-Kubrā, Aḥmad]
✔ Embracing and Sharī‘ah Ruling
◈ Embracing is an excellent way of showing love.
◈ Sharī‘ah has not prohibited it, nor imposed restrictions on it; thus, by the principle of ibāḥah aṣliyyah (original permissibility), it is allowed.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
((ذرونى ماتركتكم’مانهيتكم عنه فاجتنبوه وماأمرتكم به فأتومنه مااستطعتم))
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Sunan al-Nasā’ī, Kitāb al-Ḥajj
This indicates that matters left unaddressed by Sharī‘ah remain permissible.
✔ Evidences of Embracing
1. Abu Dharr’s Case
Reported in al-Mu‘jam al-Awsaṭ and other sources:
When Abu Dharr came after receiving the Prophet’s ﷺ message, he said:
((فلما جئت التزمنى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم))
“When I arrived, the Prophet ﷺ embraced me.”
Though there is slight weakness in the chain, supporting reports strengthen it.
2. The Bedouin Zāhir bin Ḥarām
Musnad Aḥmad, al-Bayhaqī:
The Prophet ﷺ embraced Zāhir from behind in the marketplace, showing affection and joking with him, and told him:
“Rather, you are very precious to Allah.”
3. ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī:
The Prophet ﷺ embraced Ibn ʿAbbās and supplicated:
((اللهم علمه الكتاب))
“O Allah, teach him the Book.”
These narrations prove that the Prophet ﷺ embraced not only travelers but also residents.
✔ The Issue of Bowing
In a narration reported by al-Tirmidhī and Ibn Mājah, bowing to one another was prohibited, while shaking hands was allowed. Even though the chain has weakness, other evidences establish that bowing to anyone besides Allah is prohibited, as it resembles rukūʿ and sujūd.
✿ Conclusion
◈ Embracing is not limited to travel; it is permissible at all times as an expression of love and honor.
◈ It is mustaḥabb (recommended) and brings reward when done with sincere intention.
◈ However, bowing or showing gestures resembling worship is haram and strictly forbidden.
ھذا ما عندی، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
