Ruling on Kissing the Hands of the Elderly

Question:
Our brother asks about the ruling on the practice of some people of kissing the hands of the elderly, such as the mother, the father, the paternal uncle, the maternal uncle, the husband’s father, the husband’s mother, and the stepmother. Sometimes it is the elderly among relatives. Is this permissible or not?

Answer:
There is no harm in it in general, but it is disliked to make it a permanent habit, always and always. If one does it occasionally, there is nothing wrong with it. However, making it a habit every time one meets his wife’s mother or every time he meets his wife’s father and kisses their hands, it is better to leave this off so that it is not thought to be a permanent Sunnah. Rather, it is a matter of respect and honor. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), when Fatimah entered upon him, would stand up to her, take her hand, and kiss it, peace and blessings be upon him. Likewise, when she entered upon him, she would stand up to him, peace and blessings be upon him, and kiss him and take his hand. There is nothing wrong with this, as Fatimah did with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and as he did with her, peace and blessings be upon him. But making that a continuous habit with these relatives and the elderly, it is better to leave it off. Do it occasionally, if one sees that, occasionally. Occasionally, leave it off so that it is not thought to be a permanent Sunnah. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.