Question:
As’salamu alaikum Wa rahmatullahi wa barkatuhu,
I want to learn the proper adab/mannerism of visiting a Shaikh like:
– Sitting near him – Can it be like the way Sayedna Jibrael (as) did when he (as) came to teach deen to Sahaba (ra) i.e. Knees touching with the Knees?
– Kissing of hands / putting his hands on head for Barakah
– Proper way of addressing
Kindly teach me the proper way as I have attended the gatherings of Shuyukhs but did not approach them to meet personally lest I do some thing improper to disrespect them with my ignorance.
Jazakallah Kahair
Answer:
`Alaykum as-Salam,
The most important thing is to keep love and respect in your heart when visiting. Kissing hand and sitting near is allowed if easily feasible. Giving a gift is purity as stated in the Holy Qur’an (58:12). Asking him to make du`a for you and bless you is recommended. Address when addressed to, clearly and to the point. Listen to his recommendation very attentively and take it to heart.
Hajj Gibril Haddad