Bowing as a Greeting Either in Karate or for Some Other Reason
Question :
We joined a karate club in America, and when our trainer told us that we had to bow to him after he bowed to us, we refused, explaining to him that we couldn't because of our religion. He accepted our excuse but then he said that we had to bow our heads at least. He said that since he began the greeting by bowing, we had to respond. What is the Islamic ruling in this issue?
Answer:
To greet somebody by bowing is unlawful, regardless A whether that person is a Muslim or a disbeliever, and regardless whether you bow with your entire upper body or with your head only. This is because bowing is a kind of worship, and worship is for Allâh Almighty alone. May Allah send peace and blessings upon Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Page 219
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