What is the ruling on a man shaking hands with a woman, and how should I act if a man extends his hand to shake mine, to avoid embarrassment, while also guiding me with advice on adhering to the Islamic methodology and inviting others to it?

Shaking hands with a non-mahram woman is forbidden by the consensus of jurists from the four schools of thought and others. The Hanafis have explicitly stated the prohibition of touching a woman's face and palm, even if there is no fear of lust. The Malikis mentioned that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, did not shake hands with women during the pledge of allegiance. The Shafi'is affirmed that the Messenger's hand never touched the hand of a woman who was not his wife or a slave he owned. Meanwhile, the Hanbalis clarified that touching is more severe than looking and is forbidden wherever looking is forbidden.

Therefore, one must refrain from shaking hands with men. If a man extends his hand for a handshake, one must refuse by saying, "I do not shake hands with men," and not feel shy or embarrassed about Allah's law. This is aided by being mindful of Allah Almighty's watchfulness, and that pleasing people by incurring Allah's displeasure leads to shame and regret, whereas pleasing Allah by incurring people's displeasure gathers for the servant the satisfaction of both the Lord and the people.