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The question

How can one advise someone who denies the obligatoriness of the Sunnah, refuses to place their hands on their chest during prayer, and is accused of extremism for not shaking hands with women?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The statement that (Prophetic tradition) is not Fard (obligatory) is correct. One who neglects a Sunnah act does not incur sin, but one who performs it is rewarded. However, this does not mean that its importance should be diminished. Rather, a Muslim should be keen to follow it. Adhering to Sunnah helps in preserving the Fara'id (obligatory acts) and indicates one's desire for goodness and reward. Some scholars have even stated that one who abandons Sunnah out of negligence deserves punishment.

As for describing someone who refrains from shaking hands with women as "strict" or "extreme," this is incorrect. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, I do not shake hands with women." The majority of scholars hold that shaking hands with a non- woman is forbidden. rulings should be explained with gentleness and leniency.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
116573
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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