Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah

What is the basis of the Arab practice of men greeting each other by kissing on their cheeks? Can this be traced back to Nabi s.a.w.s.?

· 8 Jumada I 1423 AH1 min readFatwa 6115English

Question

The question text was not published separately; the title stands in for it.

What is the basis of the Arab practice of men greeting each other by kissing on their cheeks? Can this be traced back to Nabi s.a.w.s.?

Answer

Unfortunately, we are unable to trace a basis for the abovementioned practice.

The correct method of greeting is to make salaam and thereafter shake hands, and if someone was met after a long period of time, then Mu'aanaqah (embracing) should be made. This is what is authentically proven from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions (Radhiallaahu Anhum). (Refer to Majmauz zawaid vol.8 pg.37; Al-Adaab of Bayhaqi pg.181 and Fathul Baatri vol.11 pg.70; Hadith No.:6266)

Furthermore, to kiss one between his eyes or on his hands is also established to be part of the practice of our beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions (Radhiallaahu Anhum)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Answered by
Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
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Source: Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah — https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/6115
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/askimam-6115

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