TOPIC: "SHAKING HAND WITH OPPOSITE GENDER; ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE".

BY: "TIJANI AHMAD ADEBAYO"

In Islam, there is a varying view on whether a man can shake hands with a woman. Different scholars
and interpretations offer different perspectives on this matter.

Some scholars argue that it is permissible for a man to shake hands with a woman, as long as certain
conditions are met. These conditions may include doing so in a public or professional setting, with no
inappropriate intentions or physical contact, and in the presence of other people. They believe that the
primary concern is to maintain modesty and avoid any potential physical or emotional harm.

On the other hand, some scholars and even the multitude of them believe that it is not permissible for a
man to shake hands with a woman who is not his close relative, regardless of the circumstances. They
believe that physical contact between unrelated men and women should be avoided in order to
promote modesty and prevent any inappropriate interactions or temptations.

It is important to note that Islam emphasizes modesty, respectful interactions, and avoidance of any
Haram (forbidden) actions. Hence, some Muslims may choose to avoid handshakes altogether as a
personal choice, even if there are differing views among scholars.

It was purportedly reported from the messenger of Allah (,PBUH) on the authority of Ma’qal ibn
Yassaar (may Allaah be pleased

with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘If one
of you were to be struck in the head with an iron needle, it would be better for him than if he were to
touch a woman he is not allowed to.”

(Reported by al-Tabaraani; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5045).

Also, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never touched a non-mahram
woman, even when accepting bay’ah (oath of allegiance) from women. He did not hold their hands
when accepting their bay’ah, as he did with men; their bay’ah was by words only, as was reported by his
wife ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her). She said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) would test the believing women who emigrated to him with the aayah
(interpretation of the meaning): “O Prophet! When believeing women come to you to give you the
bay’ah (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allaah, that they will not steal, that
they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not
utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e., by making illegal children belong to their husbands),
and that thye will not disobey you in any ma’ruf (Islamic monotheism and all that which Islam ordains),
then accept their bay’ah and ask Allaah to forgive them. Verily Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
[al-Mumtahinah 60:12]

‘Aa’ishah said: “So whoever of the believing women agreed to these conditions, the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say to her: ‘I have accepted your bay’ah by words.’
By Allaah, his hand never touched the hand of any woman when accepting their bay’ah; he accepted
their bay’ah by saying ‘I have accepted your 5bay’ah on this basis.’”

Ibn Hajar al-Haitami in his commentary prohibits man and woman from shaking hands: he said: “ It is
prohibited for a man from shaking hands with a woman and vice versa".

The eminent Muslim scholar As-Sheikh Yusuf Al-qordawy (may Almighty Allah be pleased with him) said
on this topic: "I would like to ascertain two points" :

Firstly, shaking hands between males and females who are not mahrams is only permissible when there
is no desire or fear of fitnah . But if there is fear of fitnah , desire, or enjoyment, then handshaking is no
doubt haram (unlawful). In contrast, if either of these two conditions (that there is no desire or fear of
fitnah ) is lacking between a male and any of his female mahrams, such as his aunt or foster sister or the
like, then handshaking will be haram (although it is originally permissible).

Secondly, handshaking between males and females who are not mahrams should be restricted to
necessary situations such as between relatives or those whose relationships are established by
marriage. It is preferable not to expand the field of permissibility in order to block the means to evil and
to be far away from doubt and to take the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as a model when
there is no proof that he shook hands with a non- mahram woman. Also, it is preferable for the pious
Muslim, male or female, not to stretch out his/her hand to shake the hand of anyone of the opposite sex
who is not mahram . But if he/she is put in a situation that someone stretches out his/her hand to shake
hands with him/her, then he/ she can do that.

Ultimately, relating with one of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (ʾUṣūl al-fiqh ) which is "sadd
dhara'i'" (blocking the means) implies preventing the means of sins,offenses,evils and immodesty, it is
of benefit to stay away in other to procure the call to fitnah that may subsequently engaged when
shaking hand with opposite gender as that is where the feeling and desire arises, 'for what can lead to
Haram is also Haram'.

Considerately, for every general rules there is always be an exception and this topic not ruling out on
that as it's also a principle in Islamic jurisprudence that : "Necessities permit restricted things", some
exceptions were outlined for it, and the basics are;

* Medical and Emergency Situations

In cases of medical necessity or emergency, physical contact between non-mahram individuals may be
permitted. For example, a male doctor may touch a female patient for examination or treatment
purposes. Similarly, in a life-threatening situation, it may be permissible for non-mahram individuals to
touch each other to provide assistance.

*Professional Settings:

In professional settings, there might be instances where handshaking is considered an unavoidable

custom. In such situations, it’s important to weigh the potential consequences and make a decision
based on the principles of Islam, individual conscience, and cultural norms.

Conclusively, Shaking hands with women in Islam, is generally prohibited due to the emphasis on
modesty and maintaining proper conduct between men and women. However, there may be exceptions
in certain situations, such as medical necessity or emergencies. Understanding cultural differences and
respecting personal boundaries are essential in fostering positive interactions and maintaining a
harmonious society. Alternative greetings, such as offering “As-salamu alaykum” or a simple nod, can be
a respectful way to greet someone of the opposite gender while preserving the values of modesty in
Islam.