Shaking Hands with the Prayers After the Regular Voluntary Prayers

The questioner:
What is the ruling on shaking hands with the person to one’s right and to one’s left, always, after the regular voluntary prayers, that is, the recommended practices before the obligatory prayer in the mosque?

The Shaykh:
There is no blame on him. It is a recommended practice (sunnah) to shake hands when meeting. The Companions used to shake hands with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Anas says: So when he met his brother in the row, he would shake hands before the prayer, or after he prayed the regular voluntary prayer, or the greeting of the mosque. So this is a recommended practice (sunnah).

Another questioner:
If he is reciting something.

The Shaykh:
Do not worry, he should remain silent.

Another questioner:
Greet him, my father.

The Shaykh:
My uncle means he should remain silent and…

Another questioner:
Shaykh, if I am performing the recommended practice and the person next to me is reciting.

The Shaykh:
Shake hands even if he is reciting, because it is a recommended practice (sunnah) to greet one’s brother when meeting. Yes.