Fatwa ID: 06768

Answered by: Maulana Abdoullah Limvoonheek

Question:

In Islam is it allowed to bow down to a sensei as a respect?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In the religion of Islam, bowing (rukū) and prostration (sujūd) are actions that are solely conducted for the Almighty. These are the highest forms of a physical display of respect, honour and worship. Hence this is restricted to the Almighty.

It is makrooh tahreemi (greatly reprehensible) to bow for any creation even though it might be out of respect. You should explain to the relevant authorities that it is forbidden to bow in Islam. If they refuse the leniency,  other alternate classes should be adopted.

Therefore, It is not permissible for a Muslim to bow down to anyone as a means of showing respect. Bowing is reserved for Allah alone. Those who participate in Karate or martial arts in which bowing is customary should abstain from this practice.

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Maulana Abdoullah Limvoonheek

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

Reference:

تفسير القرطبي, سورة يوسف: ١٠٠

الفتاوى الهندية – (5 / 369)

الانحناء للسلطان أو لغيره مكروه لأنه يشبه فعل المجوس كذا في جواهر الأخلاطي ويكره الانحناء عند التحية وبه ورد النهي كذا في التمرتاشي تجوز الخدمة لغير الله تعالى بالقيام وأخذ اليدين والانحناء
المحيط البرهاني للإمام برهان الدين ابن مازة – (5 / 278)

جئنا إلى الانحناء للسلطان أو لغيره، وإنه مكروه؛ لأنه تشبه بفعل المجوس.

العرف الشذي شرح سنن الترمذي – (3 / 409)

وأما الانحناء عند الملاقاة فمكروه تحريماً كما في فتاوى الحنفية