❖ It Is Not Permissible for Women to Shake Hands with Non-Mahram Men ❖
Excerpted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women" based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
In some tribes, there are numerous customs, some of which are entirely against Islamic teachings. One such practice is that when a male guest arrives, he greets by extending his hand to shake hands with the women. Refusing this act often leads to resentment and is interpreted negatively. What is the appropriate approach a woman can adopt in such a situation?
It is unlawful for a woman to shake hands with non-mahram men. The Prophet ﷺ said while accepting the pledge from women:
إني لا أصافح النساء
[Narrated by al-Nasa'i in al-Bay‘ah, 18 and Ahmad 6/357]
“I do not shake hands with women.”
Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها said:
والله ما مست يد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يد امرأة قط، ما كان يبايعهن إلا بالكلام
[Narrated by Muslim in Kitāb al-Imārah, 88]
“By Allah, the hand of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never touched the hand of a woman. He used to accept their pledge only by speech.”
And Allah says:
﴿لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ...﴾ [33:21]
"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often."
The prohibition of shaking hands with non-mahram women is due to the fact that it is a means of temptation for both parties. Therefore, abstaining from it is obligatory. If the environment is free from suspicion and impropriety, then a simple verbal greeting without softness in tone is permissible without shaking hands.
Allah says:
﴿يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ... فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ...﴾ [33:32]
"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women, if you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech."
Additionally, during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women would greet him and ask questions regarding religious matters. They would also consult his companions about their issues.
As for women shaking hands with other women or with mahram male relatives such as father, son, or brother, there is no harm in that.
والله ولي التوفيق
(Fatwa Committee – Dar al-Ifta)
Excerpted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women" based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
In some tribes, there are numerous customs, some of which are entirely against Islamic teachings. One such practice is that when a male guest arrives, he greets by extending his hand to shake hands with the women. Refusing this act often leads to resentment and is interpreted negatively. What is the appropriate approach a woman can adopt in such a situation?
❖ Answer:
It is unlawful for a woman to shake hands with non-mahram men. The Prophet ﷺ said while accepting the pledge from women:
إني لا أصافح النساء
[Narrated by al-Nasa'i in al-Bay‘ah, 18 and Ahmad 6/357]
“I do not shake hands with women.”
Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها said:
والله ما مست يد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يد امرأة قط، ما كان يبايعهن إلا بالكلام
[Narrated by Muslim in Kitāb al-Imārah, 88]
“By Allah, the hand of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never touched the hand of a woman. He used to accept their pledge only by speech.”
And Allah says:
﴿لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ...﴾ [33:21]
"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often."
The prohibition of shaking hands with non-mahram women is due to the fact that it is a means of temptation for both parties. Therefore, abstaining from it is obligatory. If the environment is free from suspicion and impropriety, then a simple verbal greeting without softness in tone is permissible without shaking hands.
Allah says:
﴿يَا نِسَاءَ النَّبِيِّ... فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ...﴾ [33:32]
"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women, if you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech."
Additionally, during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women would greet him and ask questions regarding religious matters. They would also consult his companions about their issues.
As for women shaking hands with other women or with mahram male relatives such as father, son, or brother, there is no harm in that.
والله ولي التوفيق
(Fatwa Committee – Dar al-Ifta)
