By Haroon Balogun

Social and Western civilisation have taken precedence over the laws of Allah.  People regard human invention and native and alien customs more than the guidelines given by Allah.

The more unfortunate thing is that even when you try to make them do the right thing, they tell you: ‘You’re not civilised’ or “you are Boko Haram.”  they regard obeying the laws of Allah as being too extremist, or not following the trend.  Shaking hands with female cousins, brothers’ wives and uncles’ wives is now the in thing our society.

This particularly is harram. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “If one of you were to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle it would be better for him than touching a woman whom he is not permitted to touch.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani, 20/212; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4921). There is no doubt that this is an act of zinaa.  Remember that zinaa can be committed through the eyes, hands, feet and other parts of the body.

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “No, by Allah, the hand of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never touched the hand of a non-mahram woman. He received bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) from them by word only.” (Reported by Muslim, 3/489).