The Custom Of Handshaking

Abu Khattab Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked Anas: "Did the Companions of Messenger of Allah (saws) use to shake hands?'' He said: "Yes.''

[Al-Bukhari]

Explanation : To shake hands with somebody is a welcome sign and the practice of the Messenger of Allah (saws). The social behaviour of the Companions also included handshaking along with saying `As-Salamu `Alaikum.'

It is narrated in another Hadith that Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the people of Yemen came, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The people of Yemen have visited you. They are the first to introduce the tradition of handshaking.''[Abu Dawud].

This Hadith shows that the custom of handshaking was prevalent in Yemen. When some Yemenites came to see the Prophet (saws), they displayed their practice of handshake. He liked and approved it as his Sunnah.

Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said, "Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven (by Allah ) before they depart.'[Abu Dawud].

Herein, we are told that Allah forgives the minor sins of the two believers who shake hands. However, major sins cannot be forgiven without heartfelt repentance with its conditions. As for our duty towards our fellow-humans, it is inescapable, and a failure in this regard is not forgiven. To sum up, when two Muslims meet and shake hands, two benefits accrue to them. Firstly, their mutual love increases, and secondly, their minor sins are pardoned by Allah.

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked: "O Messenger of Allah! When a man meets a brother or a friend, should he bow to him?'' He said, "No.'' The man asked whether he should embrace and kiss him? The Messenger of Allah (saws) replied, "No.'' He asked whether he should hold his hand and shake it? The Messenger of Allah (saws) replied, "Yes.' [At-Tirmidhi].

Here, we are clearly told that when two Muslims meet they are not allowed to bow and this Hadith is absolutely clear on handshake.