Ask Qul - Social Interaction - shaking hands as part of work

Ask Qul - QA

Question : #226

Subject:	shaking hands as part of work
Question:	I am working in a company and supposed to shake hands with customers, male or female. If don't do that, it would be considered impolite and there is a risk of losing my job and suffering the aftermath? What should I do?
Answer:	A Muslim man is not allowed to shake hands with a woman without a barrier, such as gloves, unless refraining from shaking hands will put him in a considerable harm or unbearable difficulty. In the latter case, he is allowed to shake hands to the extent of necessity only.

Follow Up Question:	isn't it that if you don't want to shake hand then you should put your right hand on your chest?
Follow Up Response Question:	That's correct, gesturing by placing your hand on your chest as a humble way of greeting the opposite gender.