One of my non-muslim friend comes to my home and everytime he touch feet of my dad so i feel very bad when i go to his home and doesn’t do it. To give respect to elders can we touch feet of elders, muslims or non-muslims? If not what are the other ways by which we can give them respect. Please suggest. Jazaakumullah…
Answer
(Fatwa: 1354/200=TL/1429)
It is unlawful to bow down and touch feet in respect of anyone whether a Muslim or a non-Muslim. One should adopt the way mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. If one meets an elderly Muslim he should stand up for him and greet him with Salaam, do musafaha (shaking hand) and muanaqah (hugging), but, if he is non-Muslim then one should say السلام علی من اتبع الھدیor adaab arz, but one should not touch feet.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband