Shaking Hands Again

Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Mangera

Question:

It says that it is haram to shake hands unless necessary. Can you please give me an example of necessary? Is a job interview considered such?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Also: [See attached answers.]

Assalamu alaykum

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth.

We must keep our trust and gaze on Allah. It is He who will decide which job we will get and which one is beneficial for us. Whatever he wills will happen and not what others want.

There are many ways to get around this dilemma. One brother I know carries a handkerchief with him, especially when he knows that such a situation may arise. He does not necessarily say anything but the other person immediately thinks that he may have an allergy or a cold and does not even extend their hands.

Sometimes, they could be informed of the religious reasons, and that would not be the wise thing to do all the time. Hence, the first idea seems better.

As it has been stated before, one must try his best to avoid sin. And if one commits it then one must repent for it.

Another brother informed me that he got a job after being interviewed by three women. He did not shake hands with any of them.

Yes, if the situation is such that if the person did not shake hands with the women he would be out on the street, then it may be permissible.

Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf

MMVIII © SunniPath.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.

Now What?

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.

Through joining an online class at SunniPath Academy, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.

Related Links:

  1. Why you'll love our courses
  2. How SunniPath courses work (video)
  3. What our students say
  4. Our current available courses
Donate Now
Academic Calendar?
Feb 5 Spring Late Registration Ends
March 16 Summer Registration Begins
April 23 Summer Financial Aid Deadline
April 25 Spring Semester Ends
May 11 Summer Semester Begins
May 28 Late Registration Ends
View entire academic calendar

Featured Courses