Hadithcore
Riyad as-Salihin, 886

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

When the people of Yemen came, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The people of Yemen have visited you. They are the first to introduce the tradition of handshaking." <b>[Abu Dawud]</b>.

وعن أنس رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ لما جاء أهل اليمن قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ “قد جاءكم أهل اليمن، وهم أول من جاء بالمصافحة‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant
In-Book Reference
Book 5, Hadith 43
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<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.
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