Fatwa ID: 04037
Answered by: Maulana Imran Mughal
Assalamualaikum,
Does anyone have good literature or information on the hukm of bowing down and doing sajdah in front the teacher in martial arts?
Some Muslims do it saying that it depends on your intentions. This new Muslim mother doesn't want her children to do anything wrong.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Consider the following Hadith:
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man said: "O Messenger of Allah! When a man among us meets his brother or his friend should he bow to him?" He said: "No." The man continued: "Should he embrace him and kiss him?" He said: "No." He said: "Should he take his hand and shake it?" He said: "Yes."[1]
Mulla Ali Qari mentions in the explanation of this Hadith that because bowing to someone is representative of Ruku and Sujood, which are exclusive for Allah only, it will be considered makruh to do so.[2]
It is also written in Al-Fatawa Al-Hindiyyah that bowing to a ruler or anyone else is makruh, and similarly bowing whilst greeting someone is also makruh.[3]
Therefore, it will be makruh in all scenarios to bow in front of anyone, even a teacher in martial arts.
It can be explained to the instructor, after praying two rakats and asking Allah for His help that there are certain religious boundaries that prevent the child from bowing.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Imran Mughal
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
