Book 5: Greetings

Chapter 131 Excellence of Promoting Greetings

Allah, the Exalted, says:
“O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them.” (24:27)
“But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah (i.e., say: As-Salamu `alaikum – peace be on you), blessed and good.” (24:61)
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (4:86)
“Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibril (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him, and said, `Salam (peace be upon you)!’ He answered: `Salam (peace be upon you).”’ (51:24,25)

Hadeeth 845. Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): “Which act in Islam is the best?” He (PBUH) replied, “To give food, and to greet everyone, whether you know or you do not.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Feeding poor and destitute is an act of goodness, and so is fulfilling the needs of the indigent. Greeting everybody (saying `As-Salamu `Alaikum’), whether an acquaintance or a stranger, is a good manner too. Both of these acts generate mutual love and remove hatred and ill will from hearts. All other forms of greetings do not no substitute for Islamic greeting.

Hadeeth 846. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When Allah created Adam (PBUH), He said to him: `Go and greet that company of angels who are sitting there – and then listen to what they are going to say in reply to your greetings because that will be your greeting and your off­spring’s.’ Adam (PBUH) said to the angels: `As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil).’ They replied: `As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullah (may you be safe from evil, and Mercy of Allah be upon you).’ Thus adding in reply to him: `wa Rahmatullah (and Mercy of Allah)’ to his greeting.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
some Ahadith, it is better to add in response: wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu (and the Mercy and Blessings of Allah).

Hadeeth 847. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded us to do seven things: to visit the sick, to follow the funeral (of a dead believer), to invoke the Mercy of Allah upon one who sneezes (i.e., by saying to him: Yarhamuk-Allah), to support the weak, to help the oppressed, to promote the greeting of `As-Salamu `Alaikum’, and to help those who swear to do something to keep their oaths. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Muslims have obligations towards one another. The fulfillment of this social responsibility creates among them mutual love, a sense of cohesion and feelings of respect for one another.

Hadeeth 848. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my life! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something which, if you do, you will love one another? Promote greetings amongst yourselves.” [Muslim].
Commentary: Iman is a prerequisite for entry to Jannah. Whereas mutual love among Muslims is complementary to it, and this quality can only be attained by giving a social character to the Islamic form of greeting, that is to say, `As-Salamu `Alaikum.’

Hadeeth 849. `Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “O people, exchange greetings of peace (i.e., say: As-Salamu `Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: All these habits and practices are indispensable to a believer because each one of them leads to Jannah with the first people to enter it without being punished in Hell first.

Hadeeth 850. At-Tufail bin Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I used to visit `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) in the morning and accompany him to the market. `Abdullah offered greetings of peace to every one he met on the way, be they sellers of petty goods, traders or poor people. One day when I came to him, he asked me to accompany him to the market. I said to him: “What is the point of your going to the market when you do not sell, nor ask about articles, nor offer a price for them, nor sit down with any company of people. Let us sit down here and talk.” He replied: “O Abu Batn (belly)! (Tufail had a large belly), we go to the market to greet everyone we meet.” [Malik]
Commentary: This Hadith highlights `Abdullah bin `Umar’s passion for promoting Salam which is a practice of Sunnah. Secondly, we can call a person by his epithetic name provided he is not offended by it.

Chapter 132 Words to be used for offering Greetings

It is recommended for the one offering greetings to say: `As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu’. The reply is `Wa `Alaikum us-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.’

Hadeeth 851. `Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: “As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil). Messenger of Allah (PBUH) responded to his greeting and the man sat down. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Ten (meaning the man had earned the merit of ten good acts).” Another one came and said: “As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullah (may you be safe from evil, and Mercy of Allah be upon you).” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) responded to his greeting and the man sat down. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Twenty.” A third one came and said: “As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu (may you be safe from evil, and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be upon you).” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) responded to his greeting and the man sat down. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Thirty.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith shows that we can earn ten-fold good rewards by greeting a person in the Islamic way. There will be a further ten-fold addition to it if we say, “As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”. may you be safe from evil, and the Mercy of Allah be upon you). And if we say, “As-Salamu `Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu” may you be safe from evil, and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be upon you), thirty-fold good reward comes to us. But Ahadith are silent on increasing more words to Salam. So this much will suffice.

Hadeeth 852. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, “This is Jibril (Gabriel) who is conveying you greetings of peace.” I responded: “Wa `Alaihis-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu (may he be safe from evil, and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be upon him).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith affirms the excellence of `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him). It also tells us how to respond to the Salam of a third person, that is, we should say, “Wa `Alaihis-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.’

Hadeeth 853. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (PBUH) used to repeat his words thrice so that the meaning thereof would be fully understood, and whenever he came upon a gathering of people, he would greet them. He would repeat Salam thrice. [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us about one aspect of the Prophet’s excellent manners that he would take due care of showing regard for the sentiments of people. The whole of a gathering is not supposed to hear the Salam of somebody and respond to him. A single person can represent the gathering in this regard. Yet, it was characteristic benevolence of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) which prompted him to repeat his saying “As-Salamu `Alaikum” thrice so that everybody would hear it and may not have a feeling of being neglected.

Hadeeth 854. Al-Miqdad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported in course of a long Hadith: We used to reserve for the Prophet (PBUH) his share of the milk, and he would come at night and offer greetings in such a manner as did not disturb those asleep and was heard only by those who were awake. In fact, the Prophet (PBUH) came and offered greetings as usual. [Muslim].
Commentary: Herein, we are told how to offer Salam to people when some of them are asleep while others are awake. Our voice should be so low so as not to disturb those who are asleep and to give a chance to those who are awake to respond to it.

Hadeeth 855. Asma’ bint Yazid (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed through the mosque one day and there was a group of women (about ten of them) sitting in the mosque. He raised his hand to offer greetings. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: To offer As-Salam by the gesture of hand from a distance is forbidden in Islam because it is the way of non-Muslims. However, it is allowed if words are also uttered along with it. Secondly, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) could greet women because he was sinless and permanently stood under Allah’s Protection. Yet, it is not permissible to other men for the fear of provoking temptation. But this Hadith can be carried into effect in case one feels that no temptation and evil will be involved in it. For example, a man can greet aged and respectable women. However, Salam to young women is not allowed as it can give birth to wickedness.

Hadeeth 856. Abu Juraiy Al-Hujaimi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: “Alaikas-Salamu ya Rasulallah! (Upon you be peace, O Messenger of Allah)!” He said, “Do not say: `Alaikas-Salamu (Upon you be peace).’ This is the Salam to the dead.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This is part of a long Hadith which has been mentioned earlier on. Refer to Hadith 796 and the commentary following it.

Chapter 133 Etiquette of offering Greetings

Hadeeth 857. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ‘A rider should greet a pedestrian; a pedestrian should greet one who is sitting; and a small group should greet a large group (of people).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The narration in Al-Bukhari adds: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The young should greet the elderly.”
Commentary: The greeting of As-Salamu Alaikum should be uttered according to the prescribed way. It is the situations under reference and not the grades which will be taken into consideration in this respect.

Hadeeth 858. Abu Umamah Sudaiy bin `Ajlan Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The person nearest to Allah is one who is the first to offer greeting.” [Abu Dawud].
The narration in At-Tirmidhi is: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: “O Messenger of Allah! When two persons meet, who should greet the other first?” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The person nearest to Allah (i.e., one who is more obedient and therefore closer to Allah will say: As-Salam first.”
Commentary: The degree of a man’s humbleness and modesty will be measured by the degree of his nearness to Allah. One who is nearer to Allah is always the first to offer As-Salam to others, while others stick to their stuck-up behaviour

Chapter 134 Excellence of Greeting the Acquaintance Repeatedly

Hadeeth 859. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported in the Hadith in respect of the person who was at fault in performing his Salat (prayer): He came to the Prophet (PBUH) and greeted him. The Prophet (PBUH) responded to the greeting and said, “Go back and repeat your Salat because you have not performed the Salat (properly).” He again performed Salat as he had prayed before and came to the Prophet (PBUH) and greeted him. The Prophet (PBUH) responded to the greetings (and repeated his words to him). This act of repeating (the Salat and the Salam) was done thrice. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that one can greet others after short intervals.

Hadeeth 860. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When one of you meets a brother (in Faith) he should greet him. Then if a tree or a wall or a stone intervenes between them and then he meets him again, he should greet him.” [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: This Hadith convincingly bears out the subject matter of the chapter.

Chapter 135 Excellence of Greeting at the time of entry into the House

Allah, the Exalted, says:
“But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah (i.e., say: As-Salamu `Alaikum – may you be safe from evil), blessed and good.” (24:61)

Hadeeth 861. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, “Dear son, when you enter your house, say As-Salamu `Alaikum to your family, for it will be a blessing both to you and to your family.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Many people, on returning home, feel belittled in saying As-Salamu `Alaikum to their household. In fact, As-Salam is a prayer for goodness, blessing and peace, and one should have no complex about it.

Chapter 136  Greeting the Children

Hadeeth 862. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he passed by some children and greeted them. Then he said: “Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to do the same.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: By greeting children, we please their hearts and also vent our modesty. Besides, the importance of As-Salam is unconsciously felt by them. Above all it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and so we are supposed to put it into practice.

Chapter 137 Greeting one’s Wife and other Women

Hadeeth 863. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was a woman among us who would put beet root in a pot and add to it some ground barley. She used to cook them together. On returning from the Friday prayer, we would greet her and she would offer it to us. [Al-Bukhari].

Hadeeth 864. Umm Hani (May Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Abu Talib reported: I went to the Prophet (PBUH) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath and Fatimah was screening him with a cloth. I greeted him. And she mentioned the rest of the Hadith. [Muslim].
Hadeeth 865. Asma bint Yazid (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) passed by us when we were with a party of women, and he greeted us. [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: The permissibility of men to greet women, and vice versa, is with the condition that there will be no fear of temptation to commit the unlawful. Here are the details:

  1.  young woman is forbidden to greet men and to respond to their greeting.
  2. A group of women or an old woman are allowed to greet men and to respond to men’s greetings. Men are also allowed to greet a group of women or an old woman.
  3. A man on his own is not allowed to greet a young woman.
  4. A man on his own is allowed to greet a group of women.

However, in all these cases, Islamic rules in this regard, including the lowering of the gaze, are to be observed.

Chapter 138 Greeting the non-Muslims and Prohibition of taking an Initiative

Hadeeth 866.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  (PBUH) said, “Do not greet the Jews and the Christians before they greet you; and when you meet any one of them on the road, force him to go to the narrowest part of it.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith prohibits Muslims from greeting non-Muslims first. It also tells us that when the road is crowded, we should use the middle of the road and let the non-Muslims use its sides. This Hadith shows the dignity of Muslims and the disgrace and humiliation of the non-Muslims.

Hadeeth  867. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When the people of the Book greet you (i.e., by saying `As-Samu `Alaikum,’ meaning death be upon you), you should respond with: `Wa `alaikum’ [The same on you (i.e., and death will be upon you, for no one will escape death)].” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Hadeeth 868. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) passed by a mixed company of people which included Muslims, polytheists and Jews, and he gave them the greeting (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: If there is a mixed assembly of Muslims and non-Muslims, one should utter greeting to it but consider Muslims as one’s addressees.

Chapter 139 Excellence of Greeting on Arrival and Departure

Hadeeth 869. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When one of you arrives in a gathering, he should offer Salam to those who are already there, and he should also do so when he intends to depart. The first act of greeting is not more meritorious than the last.” [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: We should offer As-Salam to those sitting in a gathering, on our arrival as well as departure. Both the greetings are essential. “The first act of greeting is not more meritorious than the last” means that we should utter it on both occasions.

Chapter 140:
Seeking Permission to enter (somebody’s House) and Manners relating to it

 Allah, the Exalted, says:
“O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them.” (24:27)
“And when the children among you come to puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to them (in age).” (24:59)

Hadeeth 870. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Permission is to be sought thrice. If it is accorded, you may enter; otherwise, go back.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 871. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Seeking permission to enter (somebody’s house) has been prescribed in order to restrain the eyes (from looking at something we are not supposed to look at).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary: Within the four walls of their homes, people are normally engaged in different types of domestic chores, or they rest in seclusion. Women understandably do things at home in a relaxed manner which is scarcely possible for them in the presence of a man not belonging to their household. We commit an intrusion upon others’ privacy and also eye the Hijab-observing women by entering a house without permission. Both the things are prohibited and must be avoided.

Hadeeth 872. Rib`i bin Hirash (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man of Banu `Amir tribe has told us that he had asked the Prophet (PBUH) for permission to enter when he was at home. He said: “May I enter?” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to the servant, “Go out and instruct him about the manner of seeking permission. Tell him to say: As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?” The man heard this and said: “As-Salamu `Alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?” The Prophet (PBUH) then accorded permission to him and he entered in. [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: This Hadith teaches us manners of visiting a house. One should offer As-Salam to the host at the doorstep and then seek his permission to enter. Moreover, we are told to impart a religious information to an ignorant person so that he may put it into practice.

Hadeeth 873. Kildah bin Al-Hanbal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I visited the Prophet (PBUH) and I entered his house without seeking permission. So he said, “Go back and say: `As-Salamu `alaikum (may you be safe from evil). May I come in?”'[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Chapter 141 Seeking Permission to enter by telling one’s Name

Hadeeth 874 Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported in the course of his famous Hadith pertaining to Al-Isra’ (the Ascension) that Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Then Jibril (Gabriel) ascended along with me to the nearest heaven and requested for the gate to be opened. He was asked: `Who is there?’ He replied: `Jibril.’ He was asked: `Who is with you?’ He said: `Muhammad.’ Then he ascended to the second heaven and requested for the opening of the gate. He was asked: `Who is there?’ He said: `Jibril.’ He was asked: `Who is with you?’ He replied: `Muhammad.’ In the same way he ascended to the third, fourth and all the heavens (i.e., until the seventh). At all of the gates he was asked: `Who is there?’ He replied: Jibril.”’[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Hadeeth 875. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I stepped out one night and saw Messenger of Allah (PBUH) walking by himself. I began to walk in the moonlit night. He turned round and saw me and asked, “Who is there?” I replied: “Abu Dharr.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 876. Umm Hani (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Prophet (PBUH) who was taking a bath while Fatimah was screening him. He asked, “Who is there?” I replied: “I am Umm Hani.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadeeth 877. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went to the Prophet (PBUH) and knocked at the door (to seek permission). He asked, “Who is there?” I said: “I”. He repeated, ” I, I?!” as if he disliked it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: At the doorstep, the visitor should disclose his identity to the host. Secondly, to knock at the door or to ring the door-bell is tantamount to seeking permission to enter the house. When the host comes out, the visitor should first offer him As-Salam.

Chapter 142 Saying ‘Al-Hamdulillah’ on Sneezing, its reply and Manners relating to Sneezing and Yawning

Hadeeth 878. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning. When any one of you sneezes and says `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’, it becomes obligatory upon every Muslim who hears him to respond with `Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah have mercy on you)’. Yawning is from the devil. When one of you feels like yawning, he should restrain it as much as possible, for the devil laughs when one of you yawns.” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: Sneezing lightens the mind of man, and bodily he feels comfort. It is, therefore, something good and one should glorify Allah for it. Whereas, yawning is indicative of gluttony, sloth and heaviness and is considered disagreeable. The Prophet (PBUH) commanded us to stop it either by closing our mouth or by putting our hand across it in order to avoid an act which pleases Satan.

Hadeeth 879. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When one of you sneezes he should say: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah),’ and his brother or his companion should say to him: `Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah have mercy on you).’ When he says this he should reply: `Yahdikum-ullah wa yuslihu balakum (may Allah guide you and render sound your state of affairs).”'[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith teaches Muslims to have good wishes for one another and to return good for good. This reciprocity increases mutual love and results in the unity, peace and dynamism of the Muslim society. May we act upon the golden principles of our religion!

Hadeeth 880. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When one of you sneezes and praises Allah (i.e., says Al-hamdu lillah), you should invoke Allah’s Mercy upon him (i.e., say Yarhamuk-Allah); but if he does not praise Allah, you should not make a response.” [Muslim].
Commentary: Two senses have been attributed to this prayer of Messenger of Allah (PBUH). It means to pray for the good and growth of somebody. Yet, it may also be interpreted in this way, “May Allah save you from such things as will please your opponents.”

Hadeeth 881. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When two men sneezed in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH), he responded to one with “Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah have mercy on you)” and did not respond to the other. The latter said to him: “You invoked a blessing on this man but did not do so in my case.” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “He praised Allah (i.e., he said `Al-hamdu lillah’) but you did not.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that we should seek Blessings of Allah only to that sneezer who says Al-hamdu lillah.

Hadeeth 882. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sneezed, he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth, suppressing the sound this way. [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: This Hadith stresses a very important point. In the presence of others, a sneezer is supposed to put his hand or handkerchief over his mouth so that the explosive sound may be suppressed. The other benefit of this precaution is that it avoids causing an uneasy feeling to persons sitting beside him.

Hadeeth 883. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Jews used to intentionally sneeze in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) hoping that he would say to them: `Yarhamukum-ullah (may Allah have mercy on you),’ but he would respond with: “Yahdikum-ullahu wa yuslihu balakum (may Allah guide you and render sound your state of affairs).” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Here, we are told that in response to sneezing on the part of non-Muslims, we should only utter these benedictory words: “Yahdikum-ullahu wa yuslihu balakum (may Allah guide you and render sound your state of affairs)!”

Hadeeth 884. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When one yawns, he should put his hand over his mouth, otherwise the devil will enter.” [Muslim].
Commentary: At the time of yawning, one should put his hand across his mouth. It is a disliked act or Makruh to yawn noisily, because this act pleases Satan. In other words, we must not miss any chance to degrade and frustrate Satan

Chapter 143:
Excellence of Hand shaking at the time of Meeting

Hadeeth 885. Abu Khattab Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked Anas: “Did the Companions of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) use to shake hands?” He said: “Yes.”[Al-Bukhari]
Commentary: To shake hands with somebody is a welcome sign and the practice of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). The social behaviour of the Companions also included handshaking along with saying `As-Salamu `Alaikum.’

Hadeeth 886. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the people of Yemen came, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The people of Yemen have visited you. They are the first to introduce the tradition of handshaking.” [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: This Hadith shows that the custom of handshaking was prevalent in Yemen. When some Yemenites came to see the Prophet (PBUH), they displayed their practice of handshake. He liked and approved it as his Sunnah.

Hadeeth 887. Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven (by Allah) before they depart.” [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: Herein, we are told that Allah forgives the minor sins of the two believers who shake hands. However, major sins cannot be forgiven without heartfelt repentance with its conditions. As for our duty towards our fellow-humans, it is inescapable, and a failure in this regard is not forgiven. To sum up, when two Muslims meet and shake hands, two benefits accrue to them. Firstly, their mutual love increases, and secondly, their minor sins are pardoned by Allah.

Hadeeth 888. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah! When a man meets a brother or a friend, should he bow to him?” He said, “No.” The man asked whether he should embrace and kiss him? The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, “No.” He asked whether he should hold his hand and shake it? The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, “Yes.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Here, we are clearly told that when two Muslims meet they are not allowed to bow. Some say the bowing must not come down to the position as assumed in Ruku`. But the Hadith imposes a total ban on it. There is no question of more or less degree of bowing, still less of touching the knees and feet of anybody. Here embracing has been prohibited too, but the prohibition is effective only if the kissing of hands is also involved. Otherwise, some Ahadith allow embracing, particularly on return from a journey or when two persons meet after a long time. Thirdly, the Hadith is absolutely clear on handshake. The question put to the Prophet u was about taking a single hand to which he had replied in the affirmative. There was no reference to taking or using both hands for handshake.

Hadeeth 889. Safwan bin `Assal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A Jew asked his companion to take him to the Prophet (PBUH); and when they came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), they asked him about the nine clear signs (given to Prophet Musa). Safwan narrated the long Hadith which concludes: They kissed the hands and feet of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: “We testify that you are a Prophet.” [At-Tirmidhi] (Unapproved Hadith).

Hadeeth 890. In a narration of Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) at the end of the narration of the Hadith ) he said: “We came near the Prophet (PBUH) and kissed his hand.” [Abu Dawud] (Weak Hadith).

Hadeeth 891. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Zaid bin Harithah came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) when he was in my house. Zaid knocked at the door. The Prophet (PBUH) rose to receive him, trailing his garment. He embraced and kissed him. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Since Muhammad bin Ishaq, known for his delusive tendency, happens to be a narrator in this Hadith, Sheikh Al-Albani deems it deficient. Indeed, Hadith memorizers and researchers believe that the Ahadith about the kissing of hand are weak and deficient from the viewpoint of authenticity. The two persons should, therefore, confine to handshake when they meet. Though there is no harm if they embrace.

Hadeeth 892. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, “Do not belittle any good deed, even your meeting with your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has already been reported. See the commentary on Hadith No. 695.

Hadeeth 893. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) kissed his grandson Hasan bin `Ali in the presence of Aqra` bin Habis. Thereupon Aqra` remarked: “I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) cast a glance upon him and said, “He who does not show mercy to others, will not be shown mercy.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has already been placed earlier. To pamper and kiss children is an expression of compassion and kindness. One who lacks this tender quality and fails to behave kind-heartedly towards people, may be deprived of Divine mercy. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said, “Have compassion for others, Allah will have mercy on you.” On another occasion the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Be merciful to others and Allah will have mercy on you, and forgive (others), you will be forgiven.”