Hugging and shaking hands with the Imam and fellow worshippers after prayer

 Hugging and shaking hands with the Imam and fellow worshippers after prayer:

You've asked a beautiful question. The practice of shaking hands (Muṣāfaḥah) and hugging the Imam and fellow worshippers after prayer is a commendable act of love and brotherhood. Below are its meaning, benefits, history, and detailed explanation.

What Does This Practice Mean?

After prayer, hugging the Imam and shaking hands with other worshippers is an expression of love, brotherhood, and unity. It signifies:

· Joy of Faith: Expressing happiness that we all worshipped Allah together.

· Dua (Supplication): Silently praying for each other that Allah accepts our prayers.

· Unity: Strengthening love and unity among Muslims.

This act is called "Muṣāfaḥah" (handshake), about which many virtues are mentioned in Hadith.

Virtues of Muṣāfaḥah (Handshake) in Light of Hadith

There are numerous authentic Ahadith highlighting the importance and rewards of shaking hands:

Hadith 1: Sins Fall Away

Hazrat Bara' bin 'Azib (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"When two Muslims meet and shake hands, their sins are shed (from them) like leaves fall from a tree."

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 5212)

Hadith 2: Promise of Forgiveness

Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) reports that a man asked: O Messenger of Allah! When a man meets his Muslim brother and shakes his hand, what is the reward? He (ﷺ) said:

"When they shake hands, their sins are forgiven."

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2728)

Hadith 3: Elimination of Grudges

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Shake hands with one another, for this removes rancor. And exchange gifts, for this increases love and removes enmity."

(Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 1761)

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Ruling on Post-Prayer Handshake

Scholars have detailed the ruling regarding shaking hands after prayers:

Position of the Majority of Scholars:

Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Ali Jumu'ah states that shaking hands after prayer is permissible and even recommended. No scholar has declared it forbidden .

Imam Nawawi (RA) states:

· If you had not met that person before the prayer, then shaking hands is Sunnah

· If you had already met them, then shaking hands is permissible (not an innovation)

Allamah Ibn Abidin al-Shami (Hanafi jurist) states that according to the Hanafi school, shaking hands is recommended in all situations .

Evidence:

Imam Tabari derived evidence from the Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Juhaifah (RA):

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out at midday... and led Zuhr and 'Asr prayer. Then the people got up and began to take his hand and wipe their faces with it. I too took his hand and placed it on my face; it was cooler than ice and more fragrant than musk."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 3553)

Imam Tabari states that this Hadith proves the practice of shaking hands after prayer, especially after 'Asr and Maghrib prayers .

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Benefits of Hugging and Talking After Prayer

Spiritual Benefits:

1. Forgiveness of Sins: As per Hadith, sins fall away through handshake

2. Increased Love: Removes grudges and malice from hearts

3. Exchange of Duas: Saying "Taqabbal Allah" (May Allah accept) to each other

4. Blessing of Congregation: Increases affection among Muslims

Social Benefits:

1. Stronger Relationships: People get to know each other better

2. Pleasant Mosque Environment: Visitors feel warmth and love

3. Meeting New People: Connecting with unknown Muslim brothers

4. Problem Solving: Discussing and resolving community issues

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History of This Practice

Era of the Companions (Sahabah):

Hazrat Qatadah asked Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA): "Did the Companions use to shake hands with each other?" He replied: "Yes" .

When Hazrat Ka'b bin Malik (RA) entered the mosque after his repentance was accepted, Hazrat Talhah bin Ubaydullah (RA) rushed to him, shook his hand, and congratulated him .

Era of Great Imams:

Imam Nawawi (RA) (d. 676 AH) wrote in his book "Al-Adhkar" :

"Know that shaking hands at every meeting is recommended. As for the practice of shaking hands after Fajr and 'Asr prayers, there is no specific basis for it, but there is no harm in it either" .

Allamah Izz bin Abd al-Salam (RA) (d. 660 AH) classified innovations into five types and stated:

"Shaking hands after Fajr and 'Asr prayers is an example of permissible innovation (Bid'ah Mubahah)" .

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Important: Intention Matters

Sheikh Ahmed Kutti emphasizes that intention (Niyyah) is very important in this practice:

· If someone believes that handshake is necessary for the prayer to be complete, this is wrong

· If done with the intention of love and dua, it is an excellent practice

When shaking hands after prayer, keep this intention in heart:

· "O Allah! Accept my prayer and my brother's prayer"

· "O Allah! Maintain love and brotherhood between us"

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Post-Prayer Etiquette

Follow these practices after prayer:

Action Method

Dhikr & Adhkar First recite personal supplications (Istighfar, Ayat-ul-Kursi, Tasbihat)

Dua Raise hands and make supplication

Muṣāfaḥah After dua, shake hands with Imam and nearby worshippers

Meeting Meet other worshippers, greet with Salam, inquire about well-being

Taqabbal Allah Say "تَقَبَّلَ اللہُ" (May Allah accept) to each other

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Biography: Famous Personalities Who Promoted This Practice

1. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (164-241 AH)

The founder of Hanbali school was known for his emphasis on brotherhood. His students narrated that he would always shake hands with those who visited him and would smile warmly. He considered handshake a means of increasing love among believers.

2. Imam Abu Hanifah (80-150 AH)

The great Imam would regularly sit in the mosque after Fajr prayer until sunrise, teaching and meeting people. His gatherings were known for warmth and brotherhood, where people would greet and shake hands with each other.

3. Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (1137-1193 CE)

The famous Muslim ruler was known to personally meet soldiers and common people after Jumu'ah prayers. He would shake hands with them, inquire about their families, and create a bond of love between the ruler and the ruled.

4. Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (1703-1762 CE)

The great Islamic scholar of the Indian subcontinent emphasized the importance of post-prayer gatherings. He wrote that sitting together after prayer, greeting each other, and discussing religious matters strengthens the Ummah.

5. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (1863-1943 CE)

A renowned scholar of the subcontinent, he would regularly meet people after prayers, shake hands, and offer guidance. He considered this practice essential for spiritual connection between the guide and the seeker.

6. Dr. Zakir Naik (Born 1965)

The contemporary Islamic speaker emphasizes the importance of Muṣāfaḥah in his lectures. He quotes the Hadith about sins falling like leaves and encourages Muslims to greet each other warmly after congregational prayers.

7. Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Born 1943)

A leading contemporary scholar, he practices and promotes post-prayer greetings. In his writings, he mentions that this practice creates love and unity in the community and should not be abandoned.

Hugging and shaking hands with the Imam and fellow worshippers after prayer:

· Is permissible and recommended

· Has its origin in the Sunnah

· Has countless benefits: forgiveness of sins, increased love, removal of grudges

· Was practiced by the Companions (Sahabah)

· Was declared permissible by the great Imams

· Requires correct intention: it's not part of the prayer but an expression of love

May Allah grant us all the ability to maintain love and brotherhood. Ameen.

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Would you like to know more Duas or other post-prayer practices?