Question: Some men shake hands with female relatives who they are not mahrams for, rather because they are relatives or neighbours. What is the ruling for that? And is it sufficient for the women to place a piece of material on their hands intending to cover it?

Answer: It is not permissible for a man to shake hands with a woman (ajnabiyyah), even if she put a piece of material on her hand whilst shaking hands.

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

[The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts, Fataawa an-Nadthar wal-Khulwah wal-Ikhtilaat – Page 11]

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Published: 26 April 2001