Question: Noble
Shaykh,when should hugging be done and what is its description? Is it done when
bidding farewell to the traveler, and is it legislated?
Answer: The meaning المعا نقة (hugging) at its origin is: The meeting of the
necks.Therefore, it is derived from the word neck. It is that the neck of one
person meets the neck of another. It is from the affairs which are done
according to the custom (of the people). Hence, if it will bring about love then
it should be done. If it won’t then it shouldn’t be. The people have become
accustomed today to hugging when reuniting after traveling. Therefore, it is from
the affairs which (are done) in accordance with the custom (of the people).
~
Source: Silsilah
Al-Liqa’Ash-Shahri no.13 | Translated by: Raha Ibn Donald Batts |Twitter @RahaBatts
