Answer
(Fatwa: 491/491/M=1431)
The culture of greeting by bowing down is not right. It is forbidden in hadith to bow down while meeting with each other. It is mentioned in Mishkat al-Masabih that a person asked the holy Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) whether one should bow down before his brother or friend when he meets him? The holy Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied: No. (Mishkat: p 401)
One should not greet one’s father and grandfather as well by bowing down.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband