The Ruling on Shaking Hands with an Elderly Woman

Finally, he asks and says: Is it permissible to shake hands with an old woman?

Answer: Shaking hands with women is not permissible, whether they are old or young, due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): . When a woman approached him during the time of the pledge of allegiance to shake hands, he said: . And Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: . Her meaning (may Allah be pleased with her) is: other than those with whom marriage is prohibited (mahram), meaning: he did not shake hands with them. As for mahram relatives, there is no harm; he used to shake hands with his daughter Fatima and with his mahram relatives (peace and blessings be upon him). There is no blame on a person shaking hands with his wife, his sister, his aunt, his mother, and all his mahram relatives. What is prohibited is shaking hands with a foreign woman, such as his brother’s wife, his wife’s sister, or others. This is not permissible, and it is one of the means to evil. It is not permissible, neither with an old woman nor with a young woman. This is the correct position, even if there is a barrier, or if something is wrapped around her hand. What should be done is that one should not shake hands with her at all; because shaking hands with her while a barrier is present is a means to other handshakes without a barrier. Therefore, it is obligatory to leave them all, taking by his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): . And Allah says, the Exalted: [Al-Ahzab: 21]. Some scholars said: Shaking hands is more severe than looking at a woman with desire, because shaking hands may affect a person more than looking does. We ask Allah for success and guidance for everyone. Yes.
The presenter: O Allah, amen. May Allah reward you with good.