"How authentic is the Hadith, ""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 permissible for him,"" and what is its severity? "

The mentioned Hadith is authentic and explains that touching a foreign woman is forbidden, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, likened that being stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better than touching a woman who is not lawful for him. Scholars have differed on the meaning of 'touching', whether it is mere touching or intercourse. The prevailing opinion is that it is mere touching, like a handshake. This is confirmed by another Hadith which explains that touching is a type of adultery, as the Prophet attributed a share of adultery to the eye, ear, hand, and foot. Hence, touching a foreign woman is dangerous because it may lead to committing indecency.