What is the meaning of the hadith: "A man's greeting with a single finger, indicating with it, is an act of the Jews"? And does gesturing with the hand to a distant friend fall under this hadith, making one resemble the Jews? And is it permissible to greet verbally with a hand gesture without shaking hands?

It is disliked to confine the greeting (salaam) to a mere gesture without verbalizing it, as this resembles the Jews and Christians who greet with their hands, heads, and gestures. However, combining the gesture with the verbal utterance of salaam is permissible, especially when there is a need. The most preferable and complete way is to extend the salaam with a handshake, if possible.