Is it permissible to shake hands with the wife's elderly female relatives while wearing gloves, when necessary, to avoid family problems and severing ties of kinship?

A Muslim should be cautious and refrain from doubtful matters, for safety lies in avoiding what is disputed regarding its permissibility or prohibition. The issue of shaking hands with elderly women from whom no fitna (temptation/strife) is feared is a matter of scholarly disagreement. However, a wise Muslim prioritizes Allah's pleasure over people's pleasure and follows the prophetic guidance.

It is authentically established that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) avoided shaking hands with women. His hand never touched the hand of any woman, and he would only give them the bay'ah (oath of allegiance) through speech. Severe warning has been authentically reported from him regarding touching them, as he (peace be upon him) said: "For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him."

From this, it becomes clear that the safest and most pleasing to Allah is to refrain from shaking their hands, even with a glove, as Imam Ahmad ruled. Customs must be abandoned when they contradict the Shari'ah. We advise refraining from shaking hands and striving to teach Islamic knowledge with wisdom and gentleness. For whoever seeks Allah's pleasure through people's displeasure, Allah will be pleased with him, and He will make people pleased with him.