Short answer
Yes, with people of the same gender, whatever their religion. Shaking hands with a non-mahram of the opposite gender is not permitted in the Hanafi school, and religion makes no difference to that rule. A polite smile, a nod or a hand on the heart is the usual alternative.
Shaking hands with someone of the same gender is sunnah with Muslims and permitted with non-Muslims. Touching a non-mahram of the opposite gender, including a handshake, is haram. Hanafi texts make an exception only for a very old person where no desire is feared on either side.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
The question is not about faith but about gender. A Muslim man can shake hands with his Christian, Jewish, Hindu or atheist colleague, and a Muslim woman with her female colleagues. The Prophet ﷺ said plainly that he did not shake hands with women when they pledged allegiance to him, and the four schools agree that touching a non-mahram of the opposite sex is not allowed.
In the West this comes up at job interviews, meetings and introductions. A few tips:
- Smile warmly and put your right hand on your chest. Most people understand.
- Say it simply: "I don't shake hands with men (or women) for religious reasons, but it's very nice to meet you."
- Raise it early if you can, with a manager or HR, so nobody is surprised.
- Do not refuse coldly. The aim is to protect a boundary while showing respect.
A few contemporary scholars allow accepting a handshake that is offered when refusing would cause real harm or embarrassment, as long as there is no desire. This is a minority view and not the Hanafi fatwa position. The safer course is the polite alternative, and most workplaces accept it once explained.
For greetings in words, see saying salam to non-Muslims.
The evidence
Quran, Surah An-Noor 24:30
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَٰرِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
The general command of modesty between the sexes, which the scholars extend to touch.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 4181
Graded sahih... إني لا أصافح النساء ...
"I do not shake hands with women."
The Prophet ﷺ did not shake hands with non-mahram women.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Karahiyya, Fasl fi al-wat' wa al-nazar wa al-lams. Touching a non-mahram woman is not permitted, with the exception of the very old where desire is not feared.
This answer is pending review by the scholars on our team. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.