Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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.
