04-26-2005, 03:00 PM
Bismillah
as salam alykom
I fully understand what u saying dear Intuition, and no problem for asking we all do, and we all lack knowledge.
As for the nikah thing, here in Egypt nikah is only processed through the Madhoun. But I think and this is just my opinion, if an imam concludes the contract, I dont think it is a must to give money, but we might investigate this.
As for the Ruqia I already gave u an example, a present may be given, but it isnt a must and the reciter may or may not take it.
As for shaking hands, I have an experience with this. I stopped shaking hands like more than 10 years ago, it takes time till people know u and then they also stop.
All men in my surrounding were already informed, except two my former boss who occupies a position similar to a minister, I mean the chairman of where I work is a highly senior position in the GOE. The other one was also a high rank retired army general. Both men are much older than me, both treat me very respectufly. Like the chairman when I walk into his office, he jumps out of his seat, leans over the desk and extends his hand. It felt sooooooo hard to handle the situaiton always.
The other one, whenever he sees me from even the other end of the hall, he just comes forward extending his hand.
How I did it? the chairman: Walked into his office for something, he stood there, I did shake his hand but very kindly said btw I stopped this long time ago. He immediately respected it and never repeated it.
The other one, met him by the elevator and said the same thing, he said OOOO u spared my much effort thank u.
We shouldnt really care except for what Allah Pleases. U made me [img]style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img] for the women who cover with their hijab to shake hands. I know Intuition there is much bida`a may Allah Protect us.