Shaking Hands after Fajr

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 10 Shawwal 1423, 15 December 2002


Q.) A group of people made it a practice to shake hand with one another after the fajr prayer. This is done in group, thus one person shakes hand with all others and it looks like an 'Ijtimai amal'.

Please advise if this action is a 'Hasna' or a 'Bidaa' [Nazeer Baig]


A.) In principle, shaking of hands is a commendable act. In one Hadith, Nabi Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, 'When two Muslims shake hands for the pleasure of Allah, their minor sins are forgiven before their hands depart.' (Diraayah vol.4 pg.453; Ilmiyyah)

However, to insist on the practice of shaking hands after Salat is incorrect and a practice of Bid'ah (innovation).

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best