The Ruling on Shaking Hands After the Greeting Prayer of the Mosque

Question:
Some of the worshippers, after performing the greeting prayer of the mosque, turn and shake hands with the person on their right and the person on their left. What is the ruling on this? Is it a recommended practice? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
In the name of Allah, and praise is due to Allah. It is a recommended practice (sunnah) to shake hands with the person on one’s right and the person on one’s left when one has finished one’s prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to shake hands with his Companions when he met them, and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to shake hands with one another when they met. So when a worshipper comes to the mosque and reaches the row, he should greet them before the prayer, and then after the prayer he should shake hands with the person on his right and the person on his left, provided he did not shake hands with them before the prayer. This is because of the emulation of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions , and also because of the strengthening of affection and the removal of estrangement that is in it. For this reason, it is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: It was narrated by Muslim in the Sahih.