Q 3: Eminent shaykhs, is there any Sahih (authentic) Hadith to the effect that exchanging greetings and shaking hands with a group of persons wipes away sins like dry leaves are shaken from a tree? If your answer is in the affirmative, please tell me about the text of the concerned Hadith.

A: It was authentically related in Sahih Book of Hadith of Al-Bukhari that Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: Did the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) use to shake hands? He replied: Yes.Moreover, on the authority of Al-Bara' ibn `Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven before they separate." (Related by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Ibn Majah, and others) (Part No. 24; Page No. 113) Some Hadith that strengthen each other are narrated to the effect that shaking hands wipes away sins like dry leaves are shaken from a tree. One example of the foregoing is the Hadith which reads: "If two believers meet and shake hands, their sins will be scattered off as dry leaves are scattered off a tree." (Related by Al-Tabarany in his book Al-Awsat on the authority of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him))Finally, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If two Muslims shake hands, their sins will be scattered off as dry leaves are scattered off a tree." (Related by Al-Bazzar) We also advise you to refer to the book of Al-Targhib wal-Tarhib for Al-Hafizh Al-Mundhiry, as you will find it very useful.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.