<b>Guidance from the Hadiths:</b><br> 1) They show the merit of shaking hands between Muslims, which expiates sins and brings about love and cordiality amongst them.<br> 2) They point out the merit of the people of Yemen, as they have the softest hearts and they are the first to shake hands.<br> 3) They prohibit us from bowing to a person we meet, for this constitutes imitation of foreigners and disbelievers.<br> 4) They prohibit us from hugging and kissing when we meet frequently; this is only permissible for some unusual event or reason, like returning from travel.