885/1 - Abu al-Khattāb Qatādah reported that he asked Anas: “Was the handshake common among the Prophet’s Companions?” He replied: “Yes.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]
886/2 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The people of the Yemen have come to you, and they are the first to shake hands.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]
887/3 - Al-Barā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No two Muslims meet and shake hands except that their sins are forgiven before they part (from each other).” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd]
888/4 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: “O Messenger of Allah, when a man amongst us meets a brother or a friend, should he bow to him?” He said: “No.” He said: “Should he embrace and kiss him?” He said: “No.” He said: “Should he take his hand and shake it?” He said: “Yes.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; and he classified it as Hasan (sound)]
1) They show the merit of shaking hands between Muslims, which expiates sins and brings about love and cordiality amongst them.
2) They point out the merit of the people of Yemen, as they have the softest hearts and they are the first to shake hands.
3) They prohibit us from bowing to a person we meet, for this constitutes imitation of foreigners and disbelievers.
4) They prohibit us from hugging and kissing when we meet frequently; this is only permissible for some unusual event or reason, like returning from travel.
889/5 - Safwān ibn ‘Assāl (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A Jew said to his companion: “Let’s go to this Prophet.” So, they came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him about nine clear signs... He related the Hadīth till the statement: Thereupon, they kissed his hand and feet and said: “We bear witness that you are a Prophet.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi and others, with authentic Isnāds] [2]
1) The Jews disbelieved in the Prophet’s message out of rejection, stubbornness, and envy. They believed him by their tongues, but their hearts rejected it.
2) It is legitimate to kiss the hand of a scholar and any person of high status in Islam, such as one’s parents, provided this is done occasionally, not as a habit like a handshake.
890/6 - ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported a story in which he said: “Then, we approached the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and kissed his hand.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd] [3]
891/7 - ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “Zayd ibn Hārithah arrived in Madīnah while the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was in my house. He came and knocked on the door, so the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) got up for him, dragging his garment, and he embraced and kissed him.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan (sound)] [4]
1) It is permissible to hug a person and kiss his hand due to a casual event, like returning from travel or the like.
2) Dragging one’s garment, if done unintentionally and accidentally, does not fall under the prohibited Isbāl (letting the garment reach below the ankles).
3) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was modest towards the Companions and he used to do what brought joy to their hearts.
4) standing up to receive and greet someone who returned from travel does not fall under the prohibition to stand up for someone.
892/8 - Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to me: “Do not belittle any good deed, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” [Narrated by Muslim]
1) The etiquettes of the Islamic religion and Prophetic guidance bring about affection and cordiality among the believers, which gives joy and harmony to their hearts.
2) Smiling in the face of fellow Muslims and meeting them with a cheerful face is an act of kindness and charity.
3) An act of kindness, even if insignificant in the sight of people, weighs heavy in the scale of deeds.
4) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was keen on giving advice to the believers. Advice is a Qur’anic and Prophetic approach.
893/9 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) kissed (his grandson) Al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali while Al-Aqra‘ ibn Hābis was present. Al-Aqra‘ observed: “I have ten children, and I have never kissed any of them.” Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah looked at him and said: “Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy!” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) It is recommended to kiss young children out of mercy and compassion towards them.
2) The more a person acts mercifully to people, the more likely he will receive mercy from Allah Almighty. Our mercy towards one another brings us the mercy of our Lord. This is how we can get His mercy!
3) It shows his humbleness and great mercy as he caressed Al-Hasan and kissed him in public.