What is the ruling on a man shaking hands with a non-mahram woman when there is a barrier such as gloves, and what is the ruling when there is no barrier, and is shaping the eyebrows considered plucking (namṣ)?
Shaking hands with a non-mahram woman is not permissible, based on 'Aisha's saying: "No, by Allah, the hand of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, never touched the hand of a woman," and his saying, peace and blessings be upon him: "Indeed, I do not shake hands with women," and his saying: "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." As for breaking ablution by touching a woman, mere touching does not invalidate ablution. As for shaking hands with a barrier, the preponderant opinion is prohibition, and a Muslim woman should refrain from shaking hands even with gloves. Plucking the eyebrows is among the forbidden plucking (namṣ). One should not pursue the dispensations and errors of scholars. A Muslim should strive to reside in Muslim countries.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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