𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (406)

Visiting Sick Non-mahram Relatives Question: One of the listeners, who identified himself with the initials (ع.م.ص.), asks Your Eminence about the ruling on shaking hands with women and visiting them in hospitals, particularly when they are not mahrams but are relatives. What is the ruling on that? May Allāh reward you. Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah: As for visiting them in hospitals or elsewhere for the purpose of maintaining family ties, there is no harm in that, provided it is done without seclusion, suspicion, or inappropriate circumstances—especially if the visit takes place in the presence of a mahram or other women such as her mother or sisters. What is meant is that as long as the visit is free of seclusion and suspicion, it is permissible. However, as for shaking hands, that is not allowed. A man is not permitted to shake hands with a woman unless she is one of his mahrams, such as his sister, maternal aunt, or mother, and so forth. But as for non-mahram women—even if she is a cousin (the daughter of his paternal or maternal uncle or aunt)—he is not allowed to shake hands with her, as she is considered a non-mahram and marriage to her is permissible. The point is that shaking hands with a non-mahram woman is not permissible, based on the saying of the Prophet ﷺ: “I do not shake hands with women.” And ‘Ā’ishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) said: “By Allāh, the hand of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ never touched the hand of a woman. He used to accept their pledge of allegiance only by words.” Furthermore, shaking hands may lead to temptation, suspicion, or sensual enjoyment. In summary: shaking hands with non-mahram women is not permissible. As for shaking hands with mahrams such as one's sister or paternal aunt, there is no harm in that. Host: May Allāh reward you.