(143) Chapter: The Excellence of Shaking Hands When Greeting Someone

Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven (by Allah ) before they depart."

[Abu Dawud].

Commentary: Herein, we are told that Allah forgives the minor sins of the two believers who shake hands. However, major sins cannot be forgiven without heartfelt repentance with its conditions. As for our duty towards our fellow-humans, it is inescapable, and a failure in this regard is not forgiven. To sum up, when two Muslims meet and shake hands, two benefits accrue to them. Firstly, their mutual love increases, and secondly, their minor sins are pardoned by Allah.