Q. Many Muslims shake hands with non-Mahram males and females at family gatherings, offices, workplaces, on Eid’s, Jumuah’s etc. Is it permissible to shake hands with non-Mahram males and females?
A. It is not permissible for non-Mahram (stranger) males and females to ‘shake hands’ with one another. Rasooullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:
“It is better for an iron rod (nail, needle etc.) to be driven into the head of a man, than for him to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (Mu’jamul Kabir)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa