The Ruling on Shaking Hands with Non-Mahram Women and Looking at Them

Question:
Most of my relatives from my deceased father’s side, as well as my wife’s relatives, have become accustomed to the free mixing of men and women, and they consider it a methodology and a custom. Men shake hands with women and sit with them. Therefore, I never go to them with my wife. I tried to go alone to maintain the family ties, but their women tried to shake my hand to annoy me, knowing that I do not shake hands with women. They began doing things that bothered me, so I also refrained from visiting them.
Now there is a near-severance between us, and I fear for myself that I will be counted among those who sever family ties. At the same time, I am unable to act. What should I do? May Allah reward you.

Answer:
You are not the one who severs the ties, my brother. They are the ones who sever them. You are not the one who severs the ties; they are. Whoever persists in what is wrong, remains steadfast in what is wrong, and refuses to accept [the truth]; he is the one who severs the ties. It is not you.
If you can advise them without shaking hands with women, and without looking at women who expose themselves—lowering your gaze, not shaking hands, advising, and speaking the truth—then do so. Strive to do so. If you cannot, then you are excused. They are the ones who sever the ties, and you are not the one who severs them.