Foundations · Good Character

Islamic Social Interactions and Etiquette

Explore rulings on handshakes, modesty, and respectful behavior in Islam.

5 questions · Easy · about 2 minutes

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1. Does the ruling on shaking hands with a non-mahram woman change if she is elderly?

  • Yes, it becomes permissible.
  • Yes, but only if she starts the handshake.
  • No, the same ruling applies to old women. (correct answer)
  • No, but it becomes disliked instead of prohibited.

Why

The same ruling applies to shaking hands with old women. The general texts include both old and young women, and the reports that permit shaking hands with old women are described as inauthentic.

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2. What should a male student do if a female classmate holds out her hand to greet him?

  • Shake her hand to avoid embarrassment.
  • Shake her hand if both agree.
  • Avoid shaking hands and explain that it is not permitted. (correct answer)
  • Shake hands only if no one else is watching.

Why

A male student should not shake hands with a non-mahram female, even if she extends her hand. A greeting of salam without shaking hands is allowed when there is no fitnah, no softness in speech, proper hijab is observed, and there is no seclusion.

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3. What is the ruling on shaking hands with a young girl below the age of seven who is not regarded as desirable?

  • There is nothing wrong with it. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden in every case.
  • It is allowed only if she is exactly seven.
  • It is allowed only if she is a relative.

Why

The general ruling forbids shaking hands with non-mahram women, whether young or old. But the text gives an exception for young girls below seven who are not regarded as desirable.

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4. What does haya’ motivate a person to do?

  • Do what is good and keep away from what is bad. (correct answer)
  • Avoid speaking truth when needed.
  • Neglect duties toward others.
  • Feel ashamed of every good deed.

Why

True haya’ is not weakness or neglecting duties. It is a noble characteristic that pushes a person toward good and away from what is reprehensible and bad.

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5. What is one benefit of spreading salam among Muslims?

  • It impresses only the people one already knows.
  • It helps spread love and brotherhood. (correct answer)
  • It replaces all other good deeds.
  • It is only a cultural greeting.

Why

Spreading salam is connected to love, friendship, brotherhood, and a sense of security among Muslims. It should be given sincerely to those one knows and those one does not know.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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