Touching the Feet of Elders as Mark of Respect
Posted: 11 Safar 1424, 13 April 2003
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
| Q.) It is widely practiced in my home country to pay regards to the superiors (parents, teachers, peers etc.) by touching their legs and return that touch to one’s head or chest (popularly known as ‘Qadam-Bosi’). Is it allowed in Sharia? Please answer. [Mohammad Motalib] |
A.) Qadam-Bosi or bowing down to seniors and touching their feet is a custom of the Indian Hindus. Such an action, irrespective of the intention of the person, is totally prohibited.
Bowing in reverence of any person is strictly prohibited in the Ahaadith of Rasulullah 
. Even the Sahaba, Radi-Allahu anhum, who were downright enthusiasts of Rasulullah didn’t bow before Rasulullah in spite of the ardent desire to do so.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best