Answered by Shaykh Gibril F Haddad
On special occasions such as Eids, some Muslims whose ethnic origin is the Indian subcontinent kiss the hand of members of the older generation (same gender) and thereafter place the hand they have kissed on each eye and then on chest (their own eyes and chest). It seems to me almost ‘Christian-like’ (imitating the cross), but perhaps it is a cultural practice. Is it Islamically acceptable to do this?
It is an acceptable custom based on the intention of respect of elders and obtaining blessing which are both commanded or encouraged in the Law and whose possible resemblance to what you said is too remote to question it seriously as long as the sequence you mentioned is kept. However, if the sequence were: ((Kiss hand-then place hand on chest-then place hand on both eyes)) then this does make one cringe as it strongly resembles the sign of the cross. Was-Salam,
—
GF Haddad
Qasyoun@ziplip.com