['Aalim Network QR] Shaking hands with the opposite sex

[Ummulbanin <workshop@popmail.dircon.co.uk>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Assalamu 'Alaykum
The following question was answered by Mulla Asgher.

Salaams & Duas
Ummulbanin Merali - Moderator - 'Aalim Network
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QUESTION:

If a member of the opposite sex reaches to shake your hand first and they
are non Muslims, is it allowed to shake their hands on the premises that you
may be afraid that they will be offended? 
What if a Muslim or a Shia' member of the opposite sex reaches to shake your
hand and you are afraid that by not shaking their hand you may insult them
by implying that they are not pious?

ANSWER:

Shaking hands with a non-mehram lady, Muslim or not Muslim is haraam.
To think that it might prove offensive or to be construed as bad manners is
a product of our minds. The practices are culture based. Whilst I am
advising you on what the sharia' of Islam says, citing from my personal
experience, I have found that a respectful nod in response to the stretched
hand is equally agreeable.


Salaams 

Asgherali M M Jaffer