Q: R.A.Q.A. is a student in the Scientific Institute in Hutah, Banu Tamim, Saudi Arabia. He is inquiring about the ruling on shaking hands with an old woman, especially if she is putting a barrier on her hand, such as a piece of cloth.
A: It is impermissible for a man to shake hands with women who are nonMahrams (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) at all, whether they are young or old women, and whether the man is young or old, as this entails the danger of Fitnah (temptation) for both of them. It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he said, I do not shake hands with women. `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, The hand of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) never touched the hand of any woman; he only used to take their Bay`ah (pledge of allegiance) orally. There is no difference between shaking hands with or without a barrier, as the evidence is general, and blocks the means leading to Fitnah. May Allah grant us success!
General President of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Ifta', Daw`ah, and Guidance `Abdul `Aziz Bin `Abdullah Ibn Baz