Does Handshaking Make Du‘a More Likely to Be Answered? Al-Ifta Clarifies
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explains that shaking hands between Muslims is a blessed act that wipes away sins and may be a cause for prayer acceptance by God’s mercy.
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta received a question from a follower asking: Is it true that supplications are accepted when two Muslims shake hands?
The institution responded that handshaking is a recommended Sunnah in Islam, symbolizing love, unity, and humility between believers. Numerous prophetic traditions highlight its virtue and reward.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, as narrated by Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib:
“No two Muslims meet and shake hands without their sins being forgiven before they part.”
(Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Al-Tirmidhi).
In another narration from Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a believer meets his fellow believer, greets him with peace, and shakes his hand, their sins fall away as leaves fall from a tree.”
(Reported by Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu‘jam Al-Awsat).
Another hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik states:
“Whenever two Muslims meet and one takes the hand of the other, it is a duty upon Allah to attend their supplication, and He does not release their hands until He has forgiven them.”
(Reported by Ahmad and Abu Ya‘la).
Classical scholar Al-Khatib Al-Shirbini noted in Mughni Al-Muhtaj that handshaking is recommended along with a cheerful face and a prayer for forgiveness — combining righteous manners with sincere supplication.
Reasons for Du‘a Acceptance
Dar Al-Ifta also listed key reasons for answered prayers, including:
Worshiping God sincerely and performing obligatory prayers.
Avoiding sinful or harmful supplications.
Constant repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Being mindful and humble during prayer.
Calling upon Allah using His Beautiful Names.
Doing good deeds and honoring parents.
Avoiding prohibited acts.
Facing the Qiblah and raising hands in prayer.
Praying for other believers.
Dar Al-Ifta concluded that handshaking strengthens brotherhood and earns divine mercy, and that the prayers of two sincere believers meeting in love for God are among those most likely to be accepted.
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