Is it allowed to kiss the hand of an 'aalim? Some
'ulamaa' regard this as sort of respect.
Kissing the hand of an 'aalim has a basis in the Sunnah;
however, this basis is one of allowable action, not one
of a recommended example. Nowadays in many Islamic
lands, many of the shaykhs do not know the example of the
Prophet (S) of shaking hands with his Companions: as Abu
Dhar said, "Whenever the Messenger of Allaah (S) met us,
he would shake hands with us." These shaykhs only know
how to extend their hands to be kissed; as for extending
the hand to shake, they have no idea! This sort of
kissing in place of shaking hands is not allowed. The
Prophet (S) encouraged his ummah, "Any two Muslims who
meet and shake hands before parting, their sins fall as
leaves fall from a tree in autumn."
