Handshaking with old women

Imâm Muhammad bin Sâlih bin `Uthaymeen (died 1421)

 

Question: It has become common in our country that men and women shake hands. Is it a problem if  I shake hands with my old female relatives – if I fear lack of respect?

Answer: It is not allowed to shake hands with a woman who is not one’s Mahram. It does not matter if she is old; a woman can be old with regards to her age, yet meaty like a young one – and trials will arise.

In summary, it is not allowed for men to shake hands with women – unless she is his wife or Mahram.