What is the meaning of hugging and kissing between men when suspicion is absent?
Linguistically, ribah means doubt, accusation, and need. Its intended meaning here is the occurrence of accusation due to the intention of lust and pleasure through embracing or kissing. If this is done out of lust, then it is forbidden. The permissibility of embracing in principle is indicated by what Al-Tirmidhi narrated: "Zayd ibn Harithah arrived in Medina, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, stood up to him, dragging his garment, then embraced him and kissed him." Embracing is legislated for one returning from a journey and the like, and it is disliked in other situations.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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