Q: Is it permissible for a man to shake hands with a woman who covers her hand with her clothes?

A: It is not permissible for a Muslim man to shake hands with a woman who is non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) to him even if she covers her hands with her clothes. This is based on the Hadith related by Al-Bukhari (may Allah be merciful to him) in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith (Part No. 17; Page No. 30) on the authority of `Urwah from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who narrated the story of Bay`ah (pledge of allegiance) which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made with women. She said: "No, by Allah, never did his hand (the Prophet's) touch the hand of a woman during the Bay`ah. He would only take a vow from her verbally saying, 'I have accepted your Bay`ah (for Islam).'" Also, Ahmad related a Hadith with a good Sanad (chain of narrators) on the authority of Umaymah bint Raqiqah who said: "I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) with a group of women to give him a pledge of allegiance (for Islam). He (peace be upon him) took upon us what is in the Qur'an... Until she said: The women said: O Messenger of Allah! Let us give our hands to you. He (peace be upon him) said: I do not shake hands with women. My word to one woman is like my word to one hundred women." The Prophet (peace be upon him) is the best role model for us to follow. Allah, the One Who sent the Prophet, says concerning him: Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.