A woman asks: If I want to offer condolences to someone, congratulate them, or greet them, and they are sitting, should I extend my hand to them or bow to them to greet them?
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The questioner : Noble Shaykh, if I want to offer condolences to someone, congratulate them, or greet them, and they are sitting, should I extend my hand to them or bow to them to greet them?
The Shaykh : It is not permissible for a woman to shake hands with a man if he is not one of her mahram (close relatives), whether she shakes his hand directly or through a barrier, because that is a trial and a means to immorality. And whatever is a means to evil is prohibited. Therefore, it is not permissible for her to shake hands with anyone who is not one of her mahram.
As for her mahram, it is permissible for her to shake their hands, but she should not bow to them, because bowing when meeting and shaking hands is prohibited.
And based on this, we say in summary of the answer: There is no harm in a woman shaking hands with those who are her mahram, and it is not permissible for her to shake hands with those who are not her mahram for any reason.
The questioner : May Allah bless you. The listener from Libya, K.Y., says in her second question.
The Shaykh : It is not permissible for a woman to shake hands with a man if he is not one of her mahram (close relatives), whether she shakes his hand directly or through a barrier, because that is a trial and a means to immorality. And whatever is a means to evil is prohibited. Therefore, it is not permissible for her to shake hands with anyone who is not one of her mahram.
As for her mahram, it is permissible for her to shake their hands, but she should not bow to them, because bowing when meeting and shaking hands is prohibited.
And based on this, we say in summary of the answer: There is no harm in a woman shaking hands with those who are her mahram, and it is not permissible for her to shake hands with those who are not her mahram for any reason.
The questioner : May Allah bless you. The listener from Libya, K.Y., says in her second question.