A Social Analysis of Hand-Kissing Behavior in Imam's Periods

Hand-kissing is a kind of interpersonal and social behavior indicating the symbol of love or respect and special attention toward a person. Due to its pre-post intentions and much self-awareness, this action is regarded as a formal behavior and has a deep meaning. Its social consequences and epistemic origin have leaded it to gain a special position in Islamic teachings. Islam accepts limited, systemic hand-kissing action because it is influenced by social preferences and tendencies and also has cultural nature totally. There are two important features in Islamic teachings to confirm hand-kissing: to protect human dignity and to have a particular place in the meaning system of monotheism. Its manifestation in Muslim society during Imam's time met above-mentioned twofold conditions. However, one cannot result from historical reports and Islamic narrations that this behavior has dominated other kinds of love or respect expressions