Recently, it has been observed that even very minor issues are becoming major subjects of discussion within our community of Islamic scholars. At times, such matters have even led one group to engage in harsh and inappropriate criticism of another, which is undoubtedly regrettable and undesirable.
One such issue that has recently attracted discussion is the practice of approaching someone from behind and embracing them.
It hardly needs to be said that Islamic Shari'ah has established certain Sunnah practices intended to strengthen mutual relationships and the bonds of brotherhood. Among the most notable of these are musafahah, shaking hands with a fellow Muslim upon meeting, and mu'anaqah, embracing one another, particularly upon returning from a long journey.
Such practices are beautiful expressions of mutual affection, cordiality, and sincerity. Indeed, these constitute the more established, dignified, and Sunnah-based ways of expressing affection.
At the same time, certain informal practices are occasionally seen in society, particularly among close friends, where someone suddenly approaches another person from behind and embraces them as an expression of affection.
Among friends, one may also sometimes see playful behaviour in which a person comes from behind and covers another person's eyes. Such actions are generally expressions of intimacy, friendship, affection, and light-hearted humour.
Although these are not widely established formal customs, from a fiqhi perspective they are not inherently prohibited. Rather, subject to certain conditions, they fall within the scope of permissibility. These conditions include that the act does not cause fear, discomfort, or distress to the other person, that proper modesty and decorum are maintained, and that the act is entirely free from sexual desire or lust.
In this context, a fundamental principle of Islamic jurisprudence is particularly relevant:
الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة
Al-asl fi al-ashya' al-ibahah
The basic ruling concerning things and actions is permissibility unless there is clear evidence establishing their prohibition.
In light of this principle, an act such as embracing someone from behind may also fall within the scope of permissibility if it is simply an expression of affection, friendship, or natural emotion and is entirely free from sexual desire or any immoral intention.
A significant incident narrated in Musnad Ahmad is particularly relevant in this regard. The Companion Zahir, may Allah be pleased with him, was selling goods in the marketplace. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was very fond of him. On one occasion, the Prophet approached him from behind and embraced him in such a way that Zahir could not see who it was.
At first, not knowing who was holding him, Zahir said, "Let me go. Who are you?" When he realised that it was the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, he became delighted and pressed his back even more closely against the Prophet's chest.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, then affectionately and humorously said, "Who will buy this servant?" Through this playful remark, he expressed his affection for Zahir and highlighted his worth. The Prophet then said to him, "But in the sight of Allah, you are precious." Musnad Ahmad
Several important fiqhi points become clear from this hadith:
- First, embracing someone from behind is not inherently prohibited, since the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, himself did so. This provides a practical illustration of the principle of al-asl al-ibahah, original permissibility, and demonstrates that such a form of expressing affection may be permissible in an appropriate context.
- Second, this was a spontaneous and affectionate interaction in which there was no element of fear, humiliation, or genuine discomfort. Rather, it was an expression of deep affection. This highlights an important condition: if such behaviour causes the other person to become frightened, embarrassed, distressed, or uncomfortable, it would no longer remain within the same scope of permissibility.
- Third, the hadith indicates that embracing someone from behind may constitute an acceptable expression of affection and may be practised in particular circumstances, provided that it is entirely free from sexual desire, remains within the bounds of modesty and propriety, and occurs within the context of mutual acceptance.
- Fourth, although such behaviour may be permissible, it would not be appropriate to establish it as a general Sunnah practice. Rather, the commonly established Sunnah is to meet one another face to face, exchange musafahah, and, where appropriate, embrace one another.