Is it permissible to touch an elderly or pious person’s feet out of respect?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

The prostration of worship (Sujud Al-Ibadah), for other than Allah, is absolutely and undeniably disbelief (Kufr).

The prostration of respect (Sujud Al-Ta`dhim) or greeting (Tahiyya), for other than Allah, is unlawful and a major sin, according to all four schools of law, and could lead one to Kufr.

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said:

“It is not permissible for one human to prostrate in front of another.” (Sunan Tirmidhi).

Given this and similar texts, the scholars are unanimous on the fact that any type of prostration for any besides Allah Ta’ala is strictly unlawful, and regarded a major sin. If practised out of worship, then it will be disbelief (Kufr).

However, if touching of the feet which you are able to avoid the prostration posture, is un-Islamic and it should also be avoided.

To our knowledge there is no reports that any student of Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) did such an act (prostration or something that resembles prostration) to Imam Abu Hanifah (RA).

Also, to prostrate and touch the feet or to bow down and touch the feet, is the custom of the Kuffar i.e Hindus and Buddhists etc.

Rasullulah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa salam) has said, “Whosoever impersonates a nation (other than Islam) will be (resurrected) from them on the day of judgment”. (Sunan Abu Dawud)

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK