What is the ruling on a woman shaking hands with a non-mahram man out of necessity, especially when living in the West where it is difficult to excuse oneself from a handshake?

The difficulty the questioner faces is not a justification for shaking hands with a non-mahram man, as the necessity [that permits forbidden acts] in Islamic law is when a person fears for their life, property, or child. The difficulty the questioner encounters is nothing more than a trial that requires patience. Therefore, it is obligatory for her to avoid intermingling with non-mahram men as much as possible and to adhere to the teachings of her religion. We advise those who are not compelled by necessity to reside in lands of disbelief to migrate to Muslim lands, in order to preserve their faith and distance themselves from the causes of temptation.