Is it permissible to bow to greet a Muslim or a non-Muslim?


Question:

We joined a karate club in America. The coach said: “You should bow when your opponent bows to you”. We refused and explained that this is against our religion. He agreed but said: “You should only gesture by your heads, for an opponent initiates a greeting by bowing and you should greet him back”. What is your opinion on this?

Answer:

It’s not permissible to bow to greet a Muslim or a non-Muslim whether by the upper part of the body or with the head, because bowing is a religious act of ‘Ibadah (worship) and ‘Ibadah should be devoted to Allah Alone.

  • Estimated Reading Time
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  • Source :
    Fatawa Al-Lajnah Al-Da'imah of KSA, Fatwa no. 5313, Question 3
  • Fatwas   Walabara
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