The Prohibition of Handshaking with Non-Mahram Women

This content is derived from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women" based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Two Holy Mosques, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:​

Why has Islam prohibited women from shaking hands with non-mahram men? Does touching a woman without desire invalidate wudu (ablution)?

Answer:​

Islam has prohibited men from shaking hands with non-mahram women because touching unrelated women is one of the major sources of fitnah (temptation). The Shariah has prohibited anything that could potentially lead to fitnah. To safeguard against such corruption, the Shariah has commanded believers to lower their gaze.

If a person touches his wife, even if it is with desire, it does not invalidate his wudu. However, if this touch results in the discharge of mani (semen) or madhiy (pre-seminal fluid), then in the case of mani, performing ghusl (ritual bath) becomes obligatory. If madhiy is discharged, it is required to wash the private part and its surroundings, followed by performing wudu.

(Reference: Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah preserve him)
 
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