❀ Shaking Hands with Non-Mahram Individuals ❀
This response is derived from the fatwas compiled in the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
We live in a community where many bad customs are prevalent. One such harmful custom is that when a guest visits, both men and women shake hands with the guest. If I refuse to participate, my family ridicules me, accusing me of being antisocial. What is the ruling on this matter?
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to obey the commands of Allah and to abstain from what He has prohibited.
"Non-conformity" lies not in obeying Allah but rather in opposing His commands.
This specific habit—women shaking hands with non-mahram men—is an evil and disapproved custom, and it is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Whether it is done directly or with a barrier, it is still unlawful, as it leads to temptation (fitnah).
Although some of the narrations regarding this issue may not be extremely strong in terms of chain of narration (sanad), the meaning and essence of these narrations are supported by sound principles of Islam and are in line with the objectives of preserving modesty and preventing temptation.
To the questioner, I would say:
Do not be affected by your family’s mockery. Rather, continue advising them to abandon this un-Islamic practice and encourage them to adhere to actions loved by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
(By: Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله)
This response is derived from the fatwas compiled in the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
We live in a community where many bad customs are prevalent. One such harmful custom is that when a guest visits, both men and women shake hands with the guest. If I refuse to participate, my family ridicules me, accusing me of being antisocial. What is the ruling on this matter?
❖ Answer:
It is obligatory upon a Muslim to obey the commands of Allah and to abstain from what He has prohibited.
"Non-conformity" lies not in obeying Allah but rather in opposing His commands.
This specific habit—women shaking hands with non-mahram men—is an evil and disapproved custom, and it is strictly prohibited in Islam.
Whether it is done directly or with a barrier, it is still unlawful, as it leads to temptation (fitnah).
Although some of the narrations regarding this issue may not be extremely strong in terms of chain of narration (sanad), the meaning and essence of these narrations are supported by sound principles of Islam and are in line with the objectives of preserving modesty and preventing temptation.
To the questioner, I would say:
Do not be affected by your family’s mockery. Rather, continue advising them to abandon this un-Islamic practice and encourage them to adhere to actions loved by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
(By: Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله)
