{"_id":"668da0be0b76658b4c233f6a","title":"How should one navigate workplace interactions with the opposite gender in terms of touching?","question":"I am in a little bit of a tricky situation where at my job a lot of my female coworkers will go in for a hug as a way of greeting me or shake my hand, it is tricky to avoid because of the corporate culture of them doing that, I was wondering if it is ok engage in their greeting even though it is physical contact and if there is any sin on my part for not saying something? I tend to not say anything to not offend them and I try to wear a jacket for the hug part.","answer":"May Allah reward you for your inquiry. Your question is commendable, as some might hesitate to ask about such matters. According to the Sacred Law, there isn't an allowance for voluntary physical contact like shaking hands or hugging with individuals of the opposite gender. If, however, such a situation occurs unexpectedly and before one can react, there is room for excuse. In your case, where this seems to be a recurring situation, despite it being a workplace norm, it's crucial to assert the boundaries defined by the Lawgiver. This responsibility lies with you, regardless of societal approval, as ultimately, it's Allah's approval that matters most. This doesn't mean disregarding others' feelings; rather, it's about respectfully communicating your discomfort with such behavior.","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff00b76658b4c2329a9","tag":"Contemporary Life: Jobs and Career","count":120},{"_id":"668d9ff10b76658b4c2329d2","tag":"Relationships: Opposite Gender","count":80}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:42:38.291Z"}