❖ Islamic Ruling on Hand-Folding Gesture and the Use of
Emoji ❖
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-ʿĀlim Khidr Ḥayāt حفظه الله
Is it permissible for a Muslim to join hands (
) — whether for apology or any other purpose?
Some people fold their hands when apologizing or greeting others. However, this is a custom specific to non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, who use this gesture to say Namaskar or Namaste, which literally means: “I bow to you.”
The emoji (
) you referred to is also widely associated with this religious gesture and carries the same connotation.
✔ This act falls under the category of Tashabbuh bil-Kuffār — imitation of disbelievers — which is not permissible in Islam.
✔ A Muslim, when seeking forgiveness, should raise their hands in supplication (
), directing their request only to Allah ﷻ.
✖ Seeking duʿāʾ (supplication) from another human being or adopting non-Islamic cultural practices is not allowed.
Folding hands in front of someone — whether to apologize or for any other social gesture — is not an Islamic practice.
The use of the
emoji by Muslims is also inappropriate, as it symbolizes a religious and cultural expression alien to Islam.
✔ Muslims are urged to preserve their Islamic identity and avoid adopting the customs of other religions, especially those with pagan or polytheistic roots.

Answer by: Fadhīlat al-ʿĀlim Khidr Ḥayāt حفظه الله
❖ Question:
Is it permissible for a Muslim to join hands (


❖ Answer:
✿ Non-Islamic Gesture:
Some people fold their hands when apologizing or greeting others. However, this is a custom specific to non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, who use this gesture to say Namaskar or Namaste, which literally means: “I bow to you.”
The emoji (

❖ Islamic Perspective:
✔ This act falls under the category of Tashabbuh bil-Kuffār — imitation of disbelievers — which is not permissible in Islam.
✔ A Muslim, when seeking forgiveness, should raise their hands in supplication (

✖ Seeking duʿāʾ (supplication) from another human being or adopting non-Islamic cultural practices is not allowed.
❖ Conclusion:



✔ Muslims are urged to preserve their Islamic identity and avoid adopting the customs of other religions, especially those with pagan or polytheistic roots.